Position Function:
The primary function of this position is laboratory operations. This includes but is not limited to operating and maintaining sensitive equipment such as universal testing machines, wood shop equipment, machine shop equipment, environmental conditioning chambers, hot presses, computer controlled machinery and equipment, etc. The position requires specimen production, gluing, machining, measuring, and testing. Candidate must operate stationary woodshop and production equipment including but not limited to cold presses, hot presses, table saw, and other equipment. Additional functions include working with safety committee to ensure and improve safe operations throughout the departmental complex, supporting faculty researchers with their wood specimen production needs, assisting administration with general operations, and providing internal assistance with technology and electrical scientific instruments and devices. The level of appointment and/or rank and salary will be commensurate with the individual's qualifications, background, and experience.
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:
One of three departments in the College of Forest Resources, the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts activities include undergraduate/graduate instructions, research and service programs in natural resources.
Area of Specialization:
Wood Specimen Production & Evaluation
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Operate and maintain electric and hydraulically actuated universal testing machine frames
Operate and maintain hot and cold presses for making laminated specimens
Operate and maintain woodworking equipment
Assist with machine shop operations
Machine wood specimens as needed
Write reports Provide support for researchers, administration, and other staff as required.
Improve safety throughout the departmental complex
Record data
Safely and efficiently operate forklift and golf carts.
Travel intermittently in support of research objectives
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
The level of appointment and/or rank and salary will be commensurate with the individual's qualifications, background, and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Basic college or vocational course work in wood products, forestry, electronics, wiring, industrial technology, engineering, or similar. Mechanical inclination.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability and responsibility to carry out and assist with glue application, pressing, cutting, planing, jointing, and otherwise preparing wood specimens for scientific endeavor. Must be able to prioritize scheduling, deal with frequent interruptions, and perform emergency consultation during the course of research. Must be able to supervise student workers and provide training where necessary.
Working knowledge of wood processing equipment.
Demonstrated ability to work well with people.
Ability to operate and read a caliper and a tape measure.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Job will require working in a lab setting.
Job frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
Job occasionally requires sitting, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to no more than 40 pounds.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by attaching the following as a PDF: cover letter, and resume. Incomplete applications will be ineligible. Initial screening will begin April 29, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
Video conference interviews may be requested.
NOTE: Official transcripts, with SSN redacted, of all degrees will be required upon employment.
Screening Date:
April 29, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
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.
