Research Associate I

Research Associate

I JOB NO

510563

POSITION TYPE:

Full-Time 12-Month

DEPARTMENT

190500 - Water Resources Research Institute

LOCATION

Main Campus - Starkville, MS

CATEGORIES

Professional

POSITION OPEN DATE

May 11 2026

Position Function:

Under general supervision, employs a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in a particular field of specialization to plan, coordinate, and conduct research.

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:

Located on the campus of Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute administers and coordinates research and outreach programs dealing with water and related resources. It is one of the state institutes authorized by Section 104 of The Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Its activities are developed in close consultation and collaboration between the Institute and leading water resources officials within the state. The program's purpose is to provide a coordinated research and development program that contributes to the solution of water and water-related land use problems in Mississippi, the region, and the nation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques. 2. 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. 3. Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation. 4. Designs, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance. 5. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups. 6. Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems. 7. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices. 8. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems. 9. 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. 10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. The successful applicant will be a part of a water-centric, row crop agriculture group. Consequently, the candidate will have obligations in addition to the above that will include various levels of accountability for projects ranging in scale from small-plot to on-farm. Thus, this person is expected to be able to work autonomously and in a team. Travel to research locations, conferences, or other meetings will be required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Able to operate and maintain various farm equipment. 2. Experience on a production agriculture farm. 3. Experience in agricultural research, including knowledge of experimental design, plot layout, and agronomic principles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate is expected to have significant knowledge of scientific and research methodologies, particularly as it relates to agricultural research at various scales. The candidate must be able to develop and employ experimental protocols and procedures. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required to discharge the duties of this position. Additionally, the candidate should be organized and possess good planning skills. Working Conditions and Physical Effort This position requires working in a variety of environmental conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Employees may be exposed to extreme temperatures, including hot and cold weather, depending on seasonal and operational demands. Instructions for

Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.

edu/ Link to apply:

http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/ Submit resume and cover letter

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.