Position Function:
The Assistant Research Professor leads applied, interdisciplinary research focused on
economic development, workforce systems, and public policy using advanced social science methodologies. The role is responsible for designing and executing rigorous research studies using administrative and longitudinal data to produce decision-relevant insights for state agencies, policymakers, and institutional partners under externally driven timelines.
The position is expected to develop and sustain a research portfolio through extramural funding, including identifying opportunities, leading proposal development, and contributing to funded projects.
Working within NSPARC’s multidisciplinary environment, the Assistant Research Professor
collaborates with data, technical, and research teams to deliver high-quality analytic products aligned with active projects and institutional priorities.
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. Applied Research and Analysis: Lead and conduct applied research in economic development, workforce systems, social services, and public policy using advanced social science methodologies and administrative data. 2. Research Design and Methodology: Design, implement, and refine empirical models, evaluation frameworks, and analytical protocols to address complex socio-economic and policy questions. 3. Extramural Funding and Proposal Development: Identify funding opportunities and lead or contribute to the development of competitive research proposals for federal, state, and industry sponsors. 4. Policy and Systems Evaluation: Analyze governmental and organizational systems to identify inefficiencies, assess program effectiveness, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
5. Collaboration and Integration: Work closely with data, technical, and research teams to align methodologies with data infrastructure, security requirements, and project objectives. 6. Project Leadership and Execution: Manage the full lifecycle of research projects, including planning, data collection, analysis, and delivery of milestones within externally driven timelines within fast-paced, externally driven environments with shifting priorities. 7. Research Communication and Deliverables: Produce publication-quality reports, visualizations, policy briefs, and technical documentation to communicate findings to academic, technical, and non-technical audiences. 8. Scholarly Contribution and Engagement: Author peer-reviewed publications and technical reports and participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, internal review processes, and knowledge-sharing activities. 9. NSPARC Mission Support: Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the center’s research portfolio and strategic objectives.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD with a focus in Sociology, Public Administration, Public Policy, or Related Social Science Field with one year related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD with a focus in Sociology, Public Administration, Public Policy, or Related Social Science Field with at least 5 years of equivalent professional experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Applied Social Science Research: Demonstrated experience conducting applied
research in areas such as economic development, workforce systems, social services,
public policy, or governmental operations.
2. Research Methodology and Analytics: Strong training in social science research
methods, including statistical analysis, empirical modeling, and program evaluation.
3. Extramural Funding and Grant Development: Experience contributing to or supporting
externally funded research projects, including proposal development and grant
execution.
4. Policy and Systems Analysis: Ability to analyze governmental and organizational
systems, evaluate program effectiveness, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
5. Data-Driven Problem Solving: Ability to design and implement analytical approach using complex or administrative data to address real-world policy and operational questions.
6. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively across teams that
include researchers, data engineers, and technical staff.
7. Communication and Translation: Strong written communication skills, including the
ability to produce clear reports, visualizations, and policy-relevant outputs for broad
audiences.
8. Project Execution: Experience managing tasks, timelines, and deliverables within
structured projects, including work tied to external contracts or deadlines.
9. Professional Engagement: Evidence of scholarly or professional engagement through
publications, technical reports, or presentations.
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 CV.
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.
