What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate I (L,P,S) position at Mississippi State University?
Position Function
This is a full-time, 12-month appointment. The appointee will support research associated with the MSU Turfgrass Breeding Program.
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
Turfgrass Breeding
Anticipated Appointment Date
April 2025.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The Research Associate will be dedicated to developing the turfgrass breeding program. This includes establishing and maintaining germplasm collections, nurseries, studies and test plots in the field and in the greenhouse. Occasional laboratory work is also expected. The individual must be able to assume responsibility, carry out directed research, work independently with minimal supervision, and work cooperatively with other team members and collaborators.
Activities in the program include, but are not limited to:
Education: An earned Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture or horticulture.
Preferred Qualifications
A Master's degree with an agricultural or horticultural science emphasis (turfgrass science, crop science, plant breeding) or practical knowledge with such disciplines. Two years of field-related experience with turfgrass or crop production.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
The candidate must be capable of working in field and greenhouse in various weather conditions, operate equipment necessary for turfgrass management (irrigation systems and equipment, mowers, sprayers, sod cutters, etc.). The individual must expect and tolerate and work outside of normal business hours (when travelling or needed for plant maintenance. Work environment could involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks (appropriate PPE provided), which require following basic safety precautions. Conditions will also require heavy lifting. Details specific to the position will be discussed during the interview process.
Instructions For Applying
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must complete the online application at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Attach a resume, a list of 3 references with contact information, and unofficial transcripts. Social Security Numbers on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
For More Information, Contact
Dr. Marta Pudzianowska
Mail Stop 9555
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Mississippi State, MS 39762-9555
marta.pudzianowska@msstate.edu
662-325-8280
Screening Date
February 11, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
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.
This is a full-time, 12-month appointment. The appointee will support research associated with the MSU Turfgrass Breeding Program.
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
Turfgrass Breeding
Anticipated Appointment Date
April 2025.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The Research Associate will be dedicated to developing the turfgrass breeding program. This includes establishing and maintaining germplasm collections, nurseries, studies and test plots in the field and in the greenhouse. Occasional laboratory work is also expected. The individual must be able to assume responsibility, carry out directed research, work independently with minimal supervision, and work cooperatively with other team members and collaborators.
Activities in the program include, but are not limited to:
- Establishing and managing field trials: field preparation, planting, establishment, mowing, watering, applying fertilizers and pesticides
- Maintaining plants in the greenhouse: watering, clipping, applying fertilizers and pesticides
- Collecting, organizing and analyzing the data from the field and greenhouse studies and assisting in laboratory analyses
- Assistance with developing reports and publications
- Managing equipment, resources and supply inventory, maintenance, preparing standard operating procedures and ordering
- Supervision and training of graduate students, their projects, and undergraduate student labor
- Occasional travel to trial sites outside of the main campus
- Other duties assigned by supervisor
Education: An earned Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture or horticulture.
Preferred Qualifications
A Master's degree with an agricultural or horticultural science emphasis (turfgrass science, crop science, plant breeding) or practical knowledge with such disciplines. Two years of field-related experience with turfgrass or crop production.
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
- Basic knowledge of data and statistical analysis
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Computer literacy in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
The candidate must be capable of working in field and greenhouse in various weather conditions, operate equipment necessary for turfgrass management (irrigation systems and equipment, mowers, sprayers, sod cutters, etc.). The individual must expect and tolerate and work outside of normal business hours (when travelling or needed for plant maintenance. Work environment could involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks (appropriate PPE provided), which require following basic safety precautions. Conditions will also require heavy lifting. Details specific to the position will be discussed during the interview process.
Instructions For Applying
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must complete the online application at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Attach a resume, a list of 3 references with contact information, and unofficial transcripts. Social Security Numbers on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
For More Information, Contact
Dr. Marta Pudzianowska
Mail Stop 9555
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Mississippi State, MS 39762-9555
marta.pudzianowska@msstate.edu
662-325-8280
Screening Date
February 11, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
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.
