Research Associate

Position Function:

The research program at the Northeast MS Branch Experiment Station focuses on developing sustainable/profitable management strategies for the Mississippi agronomic crops industry. This Research Associate position will support research at the station. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the research team to satisfy the goals and expectations of funded projects. Areas of emphasis are agronomy production (fertility weed management plant physiology) soil health (cover crops organic amendments) and variety selection for production.

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 North Mississippi Research and Extension Center (NMREC) is one of four Research and Extension Centers in the MSU System. The NMREC is located in Verona MS. Branch experiment stations included in the NMREC are the Northeast Mississippi Branch Experiment Station (Verona MS) Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station (Pontotoc MS) Prairie Research Unit (Praire MS) and the North Mississippi Branch Experiment Station (Holly Springs MS).

Area of Specialization:

Plant Sciences.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

April 1 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Research and operational tasks related to row crop production are included in the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties assigned in positions allocated to this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment of the position.

1. Assists faculty staff and/or students with research and/or projects.
2. Maintains accurate and timely records related to farm and research operations.
3. Plans coordinates and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation selection and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
4. Applies an analytical approach to the solution of a wide variety of problems or applies specialized techniques or ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems.
5. Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods research protocols assessment instruments and data interpretation.
6. Designs performs and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity quality control and protocol compliance.
7. Collects analyzes and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups.
8. Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems.
9. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
10. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology equipment and/or systems.
11. Summarizes and presents research results at producer/grower field days and scientific meetings.
12. May lead guide and train staff/student employees interns and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers as appropriate to the area of operation.
13. Operates farm equipment.
14. Assists with land preparation planting cultivating crop protection fertilizing harvesting and transportation of row crops.
15. Manages and maintains property inventory reporting.
16. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

The candidate must have a Bachelors degree in plant sciences or closely related field.

Must have a valid drivers license.

Salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master of Science in plant sciences or related field. A valid Class A Commercial Drivers License or willingness and ability to obtain this license is desirable.

Additional Desirable Qualifications
1. Field and laboratory work experience beyond the minimum required.
2. Must have a valid drivers license.
3. Previous experience operating farm equipment.
4. Desire to seek further educational degrees closely related to the scope of work.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
2. Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
3. Ability to read understand follow and enforce safety procedures.
4. Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of agronomy.
5. Knowledge of scientific research principles practices and protocols.
6. Ability to design organize and coordinate scientific research projects.
7. Knowledge and field/laboratory skills to work in sustainable agricultural practices
8. Computer skills for data analysis (MS Excel SAS) are also expected.

9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with faculty staff growers industry representatives and the general public.

to work collaboratively within a team and independently is essential.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions.
2. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
3. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting pushing or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.
4. Will operate and work in close proximity with heavy farm equipment.
5. Contact with herbicides and pesticides is frequent.
6. Work is normally performed in an agricultural field equipment shop and office environment.

Supervision
Received: Supervision from a designated faculty member.
Given: Provide oversight to student workers and intermittent employees

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: complete online application; submit a cover letter resume three professional references and a current unofficial transcript. An official copy of transcripts will be required if selected for an interview. Social security numbers should be redacted prior to submission.

Screening Date:

February 6 2026 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 .

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