Position Function:
The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture seeks a Research Associate to help deploy and maintain a network of Motus stations to support research focused on migratory bird movements, including riparian corridors. The Research Associate will coordinate and support a regional migratory bird tracking and community engagement initiative using the Motus Wildlife Tracking System. This position will oversee installation, monitoring, and maintenance of Motus tower stations across Mississippi; assist with avian capture and tagging efforts; manage data compilation and transfer; and coordinate outreach and workshop activities that promote public engagement in avian conservation.
Salary Grade: 13
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 Southeastern U.S. hosts some of the greatest species biodiversity in North America including numerous endangered and threatened species. Mississippi is characterized by diverse terrains including lush broadleaf forests, oak savannas, prairie grasslands, temperate pine forests and delta wetlands, along with abundant waterways. These rich landscapes provide habitat for hundreds of species of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Mississippi is home to 11 national wildlife refuges and 25 state parks, including the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi River State Park, and Pascagoula River Audubon Center. Mississippi State University is ranked as one of the top research institutions in the United States. The Carnegie Institute has designated MSU as a "R1, very high research activity" doctoral granting institution. The National Science Foundation has MSU as ranked No. 12 nationally in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation research expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 45-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. We are home to the Mississippi USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units, the Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict and the USDA Wildlife Services National Training Academy. The department has a highly collegial and interdisciplinary group of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, Research and Extension Associates and graduate students that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science in the nation. Annually, the Department’s faculty generate >$10M in extramural funding. As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 320+ 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 mentors over 100 graduate students across a variety of programs, with high job placement following receipt of a graduate degree.
Area of Specialization:
Migratory Bird Conservation
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 16, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assist with installation and setup of Motus Wildlife Tracking System tower stations at designated project sites
2. Conduct routine monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of Motus towers and associated telemetry equipment.
3. Ensure proposer calibration, data acquisition, and system functionality at all sites.
4. Support day-to-day project management activities, scheduling, reporting, and coordination among sites and partners.
5. Coordinate with collaborating researchers to support tagging efforts and integrate shared Motus and telemetry data.
6. Support capture, banding, and radio-tag deployment on target migratory and resident bird species.
7. Support development of interactive data products (e.g., dashboards, story maps) to communicate findings to both scientific and public audiences.
8. Assist in planning and coordinating a regional Motus and radio telemetry workshop that facilitates communication among state agencies, academic researchers, and conservation partners.
9. The position will require some overnight travel to Motus stations and regional meetings.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, or closely related discipline.
Valid U.S. driver's license.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.
Preferred Qualifications:
MS degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field; or BS degree with 3+ years of related experience
Experience with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System
Experience conducting field-based wildlife research.
Experience with data management and organization.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Familiarity with radio telemetry systems or wildlife tracking technologies.
Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with a team.
Knowledge of migratory bird ecology and Gulf Coast ecosystems
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The position will require some overnight travel to Motus stations and regional meetings.
Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable.
Injuries may require professional treatment.
Job frequently requires standing, walking, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
The preferred location for this position is Starkville, Mississippi. There are also options for duty locations to be in Central MS R&E Center (Raymond, MS) or Coastal MS R&E Center (Biloxi, MS).
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applications must be submitted online at [insert msujobs link PARF 510282] and should include:
1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Unofficial transcripts
4. Contact information for at least 3 references
Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. For more information, please contact PI, Dr. Murry Burgess, at mlb1016@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
March 20, 2026, 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.
