Position Function:
MSU Libraries seeks an innovative, detail-oriented, and service-focused individual to serve as an assistant professor of practice position. This role oversees the review, processing, and publication of all graduate theses and dissertations, serving as a critical point of contact for all master's and doctoral students as they complete their degree requirements. The Director ensures compliance with university formatting guidelines, copyright standards, and submission deadlines while supporting student success through outreach, instruction, and individualized assistance.
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.
Area of Specialization:
Director of Thesis and Dissertation Office
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 2025.
Tenure Track Status:
N/A.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage all operations of the Thesis and Dissertation Office, which every graduate student must pass through to fulfill graduation requirements.
- Review all submitted theses and dissertations for formatting, citation integrity, and adherence to university guidelines and digital repository standards.
- Communicate directly with graduate students, faculty advisors, and academic departments regarding requirements, corrections, deadlines, and approvals.
- Maintain and regularly update submission policies, templates, and style guides in collaboration with the Graduate School and relevant stakeholders.
- Deliver workshops, webinars, and one-on-one consultations to support students in preparing and submitting their theses or dissertations.
- Collaborate with library staff, academic units, and the graduate school on issues of scholarly communication, copyright, embargoes, and open access.
- Administer and improve the electronic submission process, including metadata entry and uploading into institutional repositories.
- Collect and analyze submission data and produce reports to inform library and university decision-making.
- Participate in library faculty governance, professional development, and service as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's Degree
- 5 year's experience in a university environment
- Demonstrated experience with formatting and document preparation standards, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, PDF, and citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience managing or working within a thesis/dissertation review process at an academic institution.
- Familiarity with institutional repositories (e.g., DSpace, ProQuest, or similar platforms).
- Knowledge of copyright, licensing, and open access publishing principles.
- Experience delivering instruction, workshops, or consultations to graduate students.
- Familiarity with LaTeX or other academic formatting tools.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a customer-service orientation.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic academic environment.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
- No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
- No or very limited physical effort required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
To be considered an applicant, you must apply online at Mississippi State University's website and submit the following in order for your application to be complete:
1. Cover letter addressing experience and qualifications;
2. a curriculum vitae; and
3. the names and contact information including phone numbers of at least three (3) professional references.
Screening Date:
August 19, 2025, until filled.
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.
