Position Function:
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences & Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking applicants for a 100% Instructor I, II, or III. The successful candidate for this position will hold a 9-month, non-tenure track position. Candidates with a M.S. degree in a related field would qualify for appointment as Instructor I. The incumbent will develop an exemplary educational program, including course development and classroom instruction, in precision agriculture technologies in cooperation with faculty in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (PSS) and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE). Candidates will be expected to teach in the PSS and ABE curricula and may also be involved in advising undergraduate students.
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:
Plant and Soil Sciences is a comprehensive department with 32 on – and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by 32 support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agronomy, horticulture and environmental science in agricultural systems, and has approximately 116 undergraduate students in agronomy; 36 in horticulture; and 11 in environmental science in agricultural systems. The department offers master's and doctoral programs, with 57 students currently majoring in either agronomy, horticulture, or weed science. The teaching, research, extension and service programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and trained personnel. The department holds two endowed chairs and faculty are nationally prominent, with 4 Fellows in national/international societies. Agronomic and horticultural industries are significant contributors to Mississippi’s agricultural economy (combined value of $8.75 billion with 13 million acres under management). The department is committed to enhancing its statewide, national and international reputation for excellence. More information about the department can be found at http://www.pss.msstate.edu/.
Area of Specialization:
Precision Agriculture
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 1, 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
N/A
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Facilitate the development and coordinated instruction of new and current coursework considered to be essential to the mission of Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, and Agricultural Engineering Technology. The incumbent will also promote and maintain relationships with other colleges, universities, and industry partners to assist students in finding internships, cooperative education placements, and permanent careers related to Precision Agriculture.
Minimum Qualifications:
An earned M.S. Degree in agronomy, weed science, plant physiology, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, or agricultural engineering technology (or equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning is required by start of employment. Applicants must have a strong commitment to teaching excellence and should have experience in one or more of the following: weed management, plant growth and development, soil science and technologies, agricultural engineering, precision agriculture equipment, and/or remote sensing and geospatial technologies. The candidate must have a knowledge of precision agriculture techniques, concepts, and equipment related to the application of and use of science in their discipline.
Rank and Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
The preferred candidate will have a solid understanding of applied agricultural production systems, the ability to assess precision agriculture technologies, concepts, and applications with other team members to ensure course material remains relevant and show a demonstrated record of interdisciplinary collaboration. Previous experience with course development and instruction (both in-person and online) at the upper and lower course level are preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Expertise in applied precision agriculture and curriculum development.
• Understanding of evidence-based teaching strategies.
• Proficiency with instructional technology, learning management systems, digital tools, and assessment methods.
• Strong instructional, communication, and classroom management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Exposure to heat and cold.
At this time, MSU is unable to offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this role. This applies until further notice.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Upload a cover letter, current resume, and list of three professional references.
Screening Date:
October 21, 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.
