Position Function:
The health sciences initiative Extension program based on campus leads and partners in efforts to improve health outcomes for Mississippi communities, families, & individuals, with a focus on rural settings. This Extension Associate position will support this program, primarily based on campus and including efforts in counties across the state. The successful candidate is expected to work closely with the Extension team to satisfy the goals and expectations of funded projects. Areas of emphasis are community engagement for obesity prevention, intergenerational programming, and other related efforts.
This position is a 100% Extension funded assignment and a limited-term position. Continuous employment will be based on the availability of funding, which has occurred continuously since 2018.
Salary Grade: 13
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The newly created Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion has academic, research, and extension education missions within the traditional land-grant universities. The department has roughly 35 faculty in biochemistry, nutrition and dietetics, food science, and health promotion disciplines. The department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 400 undergraduates and 30 graduate students.
Area of Specialization:
Public health and health-related sciences
Anticipated Appointment Date:
October 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Extension-based community engagement tasks related to health sciences, Extension education, and outreach are included in the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties assigned in positions allocated to this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
1. Assists faculty, staff, and/or students with Extension projects.
2. Maintains accurate and timely records related to Extension projects.
3. Plans, coordinates, and conducts Extension programming requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of program planning efforts.
4. Develops solutions to problems or challenges that may arise.
5. Designs, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance of projects being implemented.
6. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups.
7. Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems.
8. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of programming.
9. Assist in the development and implementation strategies that foster community development.
10. Willingness to travel.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a field related field to health sciences.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional Desirable Qualifications
1. Work experience beyond the minimum required.
2. Must have a valid driver’s license.
3. Previous experience working with data and reporting.
4. Willingness and desire to seek further educational degrees closely related to the scope of work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
2. Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
3. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce project implementation procedures.
4. Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
5. Ability to design, organize, and coordinate Extension outreach projects.
7. Computer skills for data analysis (MS Excel, SAS, SPSS, etc) are also expected.
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with faculty, Extension agents, and other staff, and the general public.
9. Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently is essential.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
Travel is required, with occasional overnight stays.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Must complete online application; submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a current unofficial transcript. An official copy of transcripts will be required if selected for an interview. Social security numbers should be redacted prior to submission.
Screening Date:
September 13, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
