Position Function:
We are seeking a Senior Research Associate scientist to lead all field investigations researching space use and survival of coyotes in south Louisiana. The successful candidate will collaborate with Dr. Dana Morin to capture, handle, and monitor coyotes.
Salary Grade: 15
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 a top-ranked research institution and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) has a strong applied focus in wildlife conservation and management. The 35-member faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. The department is well-known for its highly collegial and interdisciplinary faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and extension associates that help make the department one of
the premier institutions for applied wildlife and fisheries science in the nation. As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 300 undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also houses 60 graduate students across a variety of programs. For additional information see
extension.msstate.edu/natural-resources/wildlife and www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife
Area of Specialization:
space use and survival of carnivores
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specifically, the candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. Scout the region, identify study areas, and establish trap lines.
2. Build relationships with stakeholders and secure land access.
3. Order and prepare trapping equipment.
4. Train field technicians on trapping and handling methods.
5. Lead capture operations and sample collection.
6. Maintain samples and databases.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have completed a master's degree in wildlife conservation or a similar field, and have a minimum of 6 years of experience in wildlife capture, restraint, and sample collection and preservation or have completed a Ph.D. in wildlife conservation or a similar field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with carnivores is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Applicants should have experience with safe capture of carnivores using restraint devices and handling of coyotes, including physical immobilization. Ability to train and oversee technicians. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Perform routine office tasks, interact effectively with landowners and collaborators, and document findings.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Frequent travel to southern Louisiana for field work is required. Field work involves exposure to insects, inclement weather, mud/swamp/briars/other environmental impediments, and hazards associated with capture and restraint of wildlife.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be completed on line at www.jobs.msstate.edu (PARF#509408). Please submit a cover letter, vitae (including contact information for 3 professional references, and copy of your transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position). Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online.
Screening Date:
July 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.
