Position Function:
The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection (www.agscipp.msstate.edu/) at Mississippi State University seeks to fill a tenure-track, assistant professor position in forest health based at the main campus in Starkville. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a multidisciplinary, internationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program using innovative approaches to address basic and applied research topics in forest health that synergize with existing strengths within the departments of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection (https://www.agscipp.msstate.edu/) and Forestry (https://www.forestry.msstate.edu/). The research area of particular interest is an increased molecular understanding of ecological interactions involving arthropods, pathogens, and/or mycorrhizae and corresponding tree health in forests and/or urban settings. Possible areas of study in these interactions include, but are not limited to chemical ecology, biological control, and plant resistance. Collaboration with other researchers and Extension Service colleagues both on and off campus is expected. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, teaching a foundation course in forest health, as well as advanced courses relevant to their areas of expertise, advising undergraduate students, and serving on graduate student committees. The successful candidate is expected to be an interactive member of the faculty, as well as contribute to relevant scientific/professional societies.
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 Agricultural Science and Plant Protection (https://www.agscipp.msstate.edu/) has academic, research, and extension education missions within the traditions of land-grant universities. The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 120 undergraduate (B.S. in Agricultural Science) and 25 graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology and Plant Pathology). The Department has 25 faculty in the entomology and plant pathology disciplines both on campus and at research and extension centers throughout Mississippi.
Mississippi State University (www.msstate.edu), a Carnegie Foundation R1-Very High Research Activity Doctoral University, is a comprehensive public institution with more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students and nearly 1,500 full time faculty members. Representative of the American land-grant tradition yet distinctive in character and spirit, MSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. MSU is ranked as one of the best colleges for a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences in America. MSU’s researchers are assisted by a supportive research administration to place MSU among the top 10 universities in the nation in research and development in the agricultural sciences. A member of the Southeastern Conference, MSU is a major athletic competitor on the national stage, having won the NCAA baseball national championship in 2021. The university is located in Starkville, Mississippi, a historic city with a population of about 25,000, roughly 2 hours by car from Memphis, Birmingham, and Jackson and roughly 4 hours from New Orleans, Atlanta, and Nashville. Starkville is a vibrant college town with several signature weekend events highlighting arts, culture, and sports. Its location opens doors to adventures and relaxation in natural settings. Websites for the Chamber of Commerce (https://www.starkville.org/support/) and city schools (https://www.starkvillesd.com/) are good sources of additional information
Area of Specialization:
Forest Health
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 1, 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to develop a multidisciplinary, internationally recognized, and extramurally funded research program using innovative approaches to address basic and applied research topics in forest health that synergize with existing strengths within the departments of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection (https://www.agscipp.msstate.edu/) and Forestry (https://www.forestry.msstate.edu/). The research area of particular interest is an increased molecular understanding of ecological interactions involving arthropods, pathogens, and/or mycorrhizae and corresponding tree health in forests and/or urban settings. Possible areas of study in these interactions include, but are not limited to chemical ecology, biological control, and plant resistance. Collaboration with other researchers and Extension Service colleagues both on and off campus is expected. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, teaching a foundation course in forest health, as well as one or more advanced courses relevant to their areas of expertise, advising undergraduate students, and serving on graduate student committees. The successful candidate is expected to be an interactive member of the faculty, as well as contribute to relevant scientific/professional societies.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in entomology, plant pathology, or a related field is required with demonstrated scholarly productivity involving both molecular and field research and excellence in written and oral communication.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates with teaching experience, evidence of multidisciplinary training and collaborations, experience integrating basic and applied research, a record of leadership and service, and the ability to secure extramural funding will be given priority. The ideal candidate will have training in both entomology and plant pathology/mycorrhizae using molecular tools.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Candidates should have skills and abilities in classroom teaching, individual student mentoring, and academic research.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Teaching and research duties are both likely to require some work outside in the hot, humid climate of Mississippi and walking in forested landscapes with uneven terrain.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted through the Human Resources Management website at https://www.jobs.msstate.edu by completing the professional application and submitting a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and research interests, copies of up to three relevant publications, contact information for three references, and a current transcript. Any social numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. An official transcript will be required if selected for an interview. For additional questions, please contact Swayze Hollenhead at sh1270@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
August 14, 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.
