Position Function:
The MSU Deer Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for white-tailed deer ecology and management. Their primary focus will be research to mitigate deer depredation on row crops, but they will also work with long-term datasets, including statewide harvest records, statewide health-check data, GPS radio-collar data, and more. The individual will be supervised by Dr. Jacob Dykes and will be expected to collaborate with a large team of PIs, graduate students, and technicians.
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 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. White-tailed deer are the number one game species in the Southeast and account for about $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state. 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 ranked MSU No. 12 nationally in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation research. The department has a highly collegial and interdisciplinary group of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and Research and Extension Associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture science in the nation. 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.
The MSU Deer Lab is one of the premier centers for white-tailed deer ecology and management in the country. The Lab is dedicated to applied research and ensuring that the knowledge gained from that research reaches private landowners, state agencies, NGOs, and the public. We hold in-person educational events, produce print and digital content, and host the Deer University podcast to help facilitate this communication. The Lab is currently comprised of multiple graduate and undergraduate researchers, technicians, and associates. The Deer Lab is currently renovating its historic captive deer facility, which encompasses over 12 acres on the MSU campus. Lab co-directors Drs. Jacob Dykes and Eric Michel are Deer Lab alumni and together have more than two decades of experience working with deer across the country. You can visit https://www.msudeer.msstate.edu/ to learn more about the MSU Deer Lab.
Area of Specialization:
White-tailed deer ecology and management
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Collecting, analyzing data, and interpreting results
2. Coordinating research projects
3. Writing and presenting project updates
4. Presenting research and technical guidance at symposiums and conferences
5. Publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts and technical (Extension) publications
6. Supervising technicians
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in wildlife ecology, natural resources or closely related field. Valid U.S. driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated field experience in inclement conditions (e.g., hot and humid weather, biting insects, venomous snakes).
Demonstrated experience working with state and federal agencies.
Lead authorship on at least one peer-reviewed publication in ecological or natural resources management journals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A strong work ethic, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and the ability to work both independently and in groups.
Strong quantitative skills (R, GIS, etc.).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Travel may be frequent, especially during sampling periods. Overnight travel as required.
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.
Externally imposed deadlines; set or revised on short notice; frequent shifts in priority; numerous interruptions requiring immediate attention; unusual pressure on a daily basis due to accountability for success for major projects or areas of operation.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Submit an application packet via the online application system that includes: 1) a one-page cover letter, 2) a CV with contact information for three professional references, and 3) degree transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application, but official transcripts will be required if an offer is made). In addition, email the cover letter, CV, and transcript copies with social security number (if present) redacted as a single PDF packet to Dr. Jacob Dykes at jacob.dykes@msstate.edu. Please refer any questions regarding the position to Dr. Dykes via e-mail.
Screening Date:
March 17, 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.
