Research Associate I

Position Function:

This is a full-time, 12-month position contingent upon external grant funding, with continued employment dependent on the availability of those funds. The appointee will support research activities within the MSSTATE Weed Science Research Program and participate in a broader, multi-institutional collaboration called the Herbicide Resistance Monitoring Network (HerMon). The primary objectives are to: 1) Monitor the development and distribution of weed resistance to herbicides used in row crop production across Mississippi. 2) Investigate resistance in key weed species to pre- and post-emergence herbicides on samples from MS and other states of the Network.

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:

Mississippi State University is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on- and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.

Area of Specialization:

Weed Resistance

Anticipated Appointment Date:

June 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Weed Resistance Research Associate will play a central role in supporting basic and applied research activities in weed resistance. Typical duties include:
1. Coordinate statewide sampling of suspected herbicide-resistant weed populations and conduct greenhouse and laboratory herbicide testing on these, as well as samples received from other states, as part of the Herbicide Resistance Monitoring Network (HerMon).
2. Manage and conduct laboratory-based experiments, including molecular biology, biochemistry, and chromatography, and support related field and greenhouse research activities.
3. Assist the Principal Investigator in managing daily operations of the Mississippi Weed Research Laboratory, including experiment planning, resource coordination, and regulatory compliance.
4. Collect, organize, and analyze research data; maintain spreadsheets; perform statistical analyses; and contribute to reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
5. Develop and lead independent research projects, expecting to produce at least one peer-reviewed publication annually.
6. Oversee laboratory and field equipment and inventory; coordinate ordering and maintenance; assist with supervision and training of graduate and undergraduate students; other duties may be assigned by the supervisor as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in agricultural science emphasis (agronomy, crop science, soil science, water resources, weed science, entomology, plant pathology), or closely related field.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

An earned masters degree with an agricultural science emphasis (crop science, soil science, water resources, crop protection, weed science, entomology, or plant pathology). At least two years of experience in field and laboratory research, especially in molecular biology in weeds. Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals. Well-rounded experience in molecular biology. Computer literacy in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Literacy in biostatistics is desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies
- Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol
- Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
- Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
- Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols
- Knowledge of data and statistical analysis
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Computer literacy in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Exposure to extreme heat and cold.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:

Link to apply:

Upload a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts (with social security numbers redacted), and copy of top 3 publications.

Screening Date:

June 11, 2025, 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, ....

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