Position Function:
This is a full-time, 12-month position contingent upon external grant funding, with continued employment dependent on the availability of those funds. The appointee will support research activities within the Mississippi State University Weed Science Research Program, with a specific focus on coordinating field trials, including a multi-year study involving See and Spray precision herbicide application technology. The role is essential to the execution of applied weed science research, integrating field, greenhouse, and data analytics work to evaluate the efficacy and sustainability of weed management strategies in Mississippi cropping systems.
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:
Mississippi State University is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on- and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.
Area of Specialization:
Field Weed Science
Anticipated Appointment Date:
June 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Weed Science Research Associate will play a central role in supporting applied research activities within the Weed Science Research Program. Key responsibilities include:
1. Coordinating day-to-day operations and activities of the weed science research group.
2. Planning, implementing, and maintaining field and greenhouse experiments.
3. Collecting and organizing research data; developing spreadsheets; conducting statistical analyses; and assisting with reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
4. Managing equipment, supplies, and inventory, including maintenance, calibration, and ordering of materials.
5. Supervising and training undergraduate students involved in field research activities.
6. Collaborating with faculty, stakeholders, and research partners to ensure timely execution of field trials.
7. Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in agricultural science emphasis (agronomy, crop science, soil science, water resources, weed science, entomology, plant pathology), or closely related field.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with growing row crops, such as soybean, corn, and cotton.
An earned master’s degree with an agricultural science emphasis (crop science, soil science, water resources, weed science, entomology, plant pathology) or practical knowledge with such disciplines. At least two years of field-related experience with row crop production or in field experimentation. Computer literacy in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies
- Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol
- Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
- Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
- Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols
- Knowledge of data and statistical analysis
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Computer literacy in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Exposure to extreme heat and cold.
This position requires frequent travel throughout agricultural production regions in Mississippi to establish and maintain research trials.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Upload a cover letter, CV, & unofficial transcripts (with social security numbers redacted).
Screening Date:
June 11, 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.
