Position Function:
The selected candidate will be expected to perform a variety of routine and specialized duties, in field and laboratory settings, that will require considerable knowledge of the principles and theories of applied and basic sciences, laboratory techniques, and methods for obtaining research data.
Salary Grade: UC
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 Department of Poultry Science Department is one of six stand-alone poultry science departments in the country and is housed in a new state of the art building accompanied by a 12-acre research farm adjacent to the main campus. Facilities include a hatchery, layer facility, numerous broiler research houses, a BSL 2 live bird research facility, and a processing plant. Two commercial houses are located nearby. More information is available at the departmental website at http://www.poultry.msstate.edu.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will work to investigate strategies to mitigate avian Escherichia coli infections and antimicrobial resistance in the poultry environment. Areas of focus may include but are not limited to molecular determinants of pathogenesis, the impact of strain variations, and tissue tropism of Escherichia coli that infect broilers, broiler breeders, and layers; identifying immunological targets that will confer cross-protection to pathogens in poultry.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ideal candidates should have knowledge of molecular biological techniques, such as RNA/DNA/protein extraction, handling research animals at farm, gene expression, microbiome analysis, and real-time PCR. Preference will be given to individuals with experience with chicken models of infection, especially with bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and/ cell culture. Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with other lab members as a team.
Preferred Qualifications:
Field and laboratory work beyond the minimum required. Candidates with BSL-2 and ABSL-2 expertise, and animal handling and care.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of and demonstrated skills in poultry management; applicable analysis skills listed under preferred qualifications; communication prowess; and a strong interest in applied research. Have the ability to multi-task successfully.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Exposure to chicken feather, litter, and feed. Ability to lift up to 50-pound feed bags.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.
Screening Date:
May 14, 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.
