Position Function:
This position will provide support for a black bear population study in Mississippi as a Research Associate in the Carnivore and Population Ecology Lab at Mississippi State University. The successful candidate will perform duties in the field and laboratory to support black bear research in collaboration with Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and be able to independently conduct projects to this end.
Salary Grade: 11
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
www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife
Area of Specialization:
MS Black Bear Populations
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential job duties include, but are not limited to:
• Independently support, develop, design, and execute research activities, included but not limited to data collection, processing, organization, and day-to-day management of multiple technicians.
• Oversee field work, including landowner outreach, hiring technicians (up to 10 seasonal technicians), ordering supplies, field data collection, maintenance of hair snares, and organization of data.
• Assist MDWFP staff with black bear den checks and captures as needed.
• Place and monitor cell-phone game cameras within female black bear home ranges to track cub survival.
• Perform and oversee lab technicians in DNA extraction from low quantity samples (training provided) with opportunities to train and implement GT-seq methods to identify individuals.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma.
Experience: Four (4) years experience relevant to duties described above.
Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in ecology, wildlife, or related field.
Field work experience, preferably managing multiple technicians
Previous laboratory experience or a strong desire to learn methods
Experience with GIS and R.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must have the knowledge and ability to work with minimal supervision necessary to perform duties at a high level, oversee technicians in routine operational duties, and prioritize day-to-day workloads.
Strong interpersonal skills as daily interactions with landowners, state agency personnel, and other stake holders will occur
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends when necessary. Position is based in Starkville, MS, but requires long-term field season travel to southwest Mississippi. Position includes supervision of and collaborative work with technicians in both laboratory and field settings, with associated potential exposure to lab chemicals and biological samples, inclement weather, mud, insects, and native flora and fauna.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be completed online at www.jobs.msstate.edu (PARF# 509927) and must include cover letter, resume/CV, contact information for 3 professional references, and transcripts for undergraduate degree or above. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the screening process. Applicants should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online.
Screening Date:
November 28, 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.
