Position Function:
The Assistant Research Professor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Full Stack Development will lead and contribute to interdisciplinary research projects focused on applying AI and machine learning to address challenges in workforce development, education, health, and economic policy. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and deploying intelligent, end-to-end software systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and producing high-impact research outputs that integrate advanced technical solutions with real-world applications.
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 National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center (NSPARC) at Mississippi State University is a recognized leader in delivering innovative, data-informed, and interdisciplinary solutions to complex challenges in workforce, education, economic development, and public policy. Our work combines advanced analytics, applied research, and collaborative expertise to produce actionable insights, decision-support tools, and transformative strategies for public- and private-sector partners.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Lead and participate in applied research involving AI, machine learning, and deep learning in application areas.
2. Design, implement, test, and optimize AI systems, including integration of large language models (LLMs) into full stack applications.
3. Contribute to and lead research proposals for federal, state, and industry sponsors.
4. Deploy and manage AI systems in cloud or hybrid computing environments.
5. Maintain secure, scalable data pipelines and model workflows, including CI/CD processes.
6. Collaborate with infrastructure teams to ensure systems meet operational, performance, and security requirements.
7. Design, develop, and maintain full stack systems that integrate AI components with user interfaces, APIs, and scalable backend architectures.
8. Oversee development across frontend, backend, and database components.
9. Ensure systems are containerized, orchestrated, and deployed using modern DevOps practices.
10. Maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
11. Create publication-quality visualizations and reports to communicate research findings.
12. Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and deliverables.
13. Work closely with interdisciplinary research teams to align technical development with project goals.
14. Participate in code reviews, collaborative problem-solving, and knowledge-sharing activities.
15. Engage in project planning, timeline management, and delivery of technical milestones.
16. Perform other related duties as assigned to support NSPARC’s mission and research portfolio.
Minimum Qualifications:
Phd with a focus in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related field and 1 year related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD with focus in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related field.
At least two years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience with a focus in AI/ML in applied research contexts.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Demonstrated experience conducting applied research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with integration into software systems.
2. Proven ability to design, develop, and deploy full stack applications, including frontend, backend, and database components.
3. Experience with cloud or hybrid computing environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and secure, scalable system deployment.
4. Proficiency in Python and core AI/ML libraries and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, and Hugging Face Transformers.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical documentation and explain complex technical concepts to audiences.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a trans-disciplinary team comprised of individuals from backgrounds and perspectives. Familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs) and their integration into end-to-end systems.
7. Practical experience with data engineering tools (e.g., Apache Spark, Hadoop) and database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
8. Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining ETL pipelines with attention to data quality and integrity.
9. Ability to develop interactive data visualizations and dashboards using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or JavaScript libraries like D3.js or Plotly.
10. Background in securing research funding through proposal writing and collaboration with federal, state, or industry sponsors.
11. Experience mentoring graduate students, research staff, or junior developers in a collaborative research environment.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Occasional overnight travel should be expected.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants should complete online application at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and upload a cover letter and current resume.
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.
