Research Associate

Apply now Job no : 509711

Position type : Full-Time 12-Month

Department : 014001 - NMREC - Horticultural Unit

Location : Lee County

Categories : Professional

Position Open Date : Sep 8 2025

Position Information

Position Function : The research program at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center focuses on developing sustainable vegetable management strategies for the Mississippi and Southeast regional industries. This research associate position is 100% funded through the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. The incumbent is expected to work closely with principal investigators to satisfy the goals and expectations of funded projects. Areas of emphases are nutrient management, disease and pest management, vegetable physiology, greenhouse and growth chamber technologies, sustainable vegetable production systems, and laboratory instrumentation.

This position is at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona, MS and housed in the Horticulture Unit. This 511-acre research facility is a premier information source for the Mississippi vegetable industry and contributes research results throughout the world. Resources include office and staff, four greenhouses, two wet and dry labs, and analytical and plant physiological instrumentation. The experiment station is located near Tupelo, MS a major business hub. Additionally, the experiment station is strategically located near up and coming small and commercial vegetable production and is in constant communication with innovative growers and other scientists across the United States.

Area of Specialization :

Anticipated Appointment Date : January 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and laboratory tasks related to soil nutrient management, environmental stress physiology, plant hormone physiology, precision irrigation and sensor technologies, controlled environments, greenhouse hydroponics, and evaluating management practices to develop a decision support system.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
• 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.
• Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
• Designs, performs, and / or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
• 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.
• Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; prioritizes good resource stewardship in use of workplace property, equipment and supplies.
• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and / or systems.
• 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.
• Proactively contributes to a culture of work safety; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices; follows appropriate safety protocols; seeks out and obtains appropriate job-relevant safety trainings.
• Works as a productive and collaborative member of a research team; ensures good communication with other team members; communicates effectively and in a timely manner with supervisor.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Bachelor's degree in plant sciences (plant biology, biochemistry, horticulture, agronomy) or related field.

Licensures : Valid driver's and pesticide application licenses, or be able to obtain them within a few weeks after the start date.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education / experience of the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

Master of Science (MS) degree in plant sciences (plant biology / biochemistry / horticulture / agronomy / soil science) or related field.

The qualified individual should have excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with faculty, extension staff, producers, and the general public.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Application Process

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu . Please complete the professional application and submit a current resume, cover letter / letter of application, official transcripts, and provide contact information for three professional references. Any social security numbers on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.

Screening Date

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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 orada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 orada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Advertised

Advertised : Sep 08 2025 Central Daylight Time

Applications close : Mississippi - Not located on main campus

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