Assistant Professor - Biochemistry

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track position in Biochemistry within the BNHP. The appointment offers 60% teaching in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and 40% research through the MSU Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, beginning January 2027.

Responsibilities include teaching, mentoring, and building a nationally recognized research program.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, computational biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience in proposal writing and publications in refereed journals.
• Ability to work collaboratively, strong oral and writing communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and collegial work environment; work effectively with others as a team member.

Responsibilities

• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses as well as developing graduate-level coursework
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Conducting research, seeking extramural funding, publishing scholarly works
• Performing departmental, college, university, and professional service

Education

Doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, computational biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field

Job description

Position Function:

The Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion (BNHP) at Mississippi State University (MSU) seeks to fill a 9-month tenure-track position to begin January 2027. The successful candidate will hold a 60% appointment in teaching through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and a 40% appointment in research through the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. The successful candidate will teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in Biochemistry. In addition, the candidate will be expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in their area of expertise that aligns with the department’s mission through publication of peer-reviewed articles, procurement of extramural funding, and mentoring graduate students. The successful candidate will also support Biochemistry’s student recruitment and retention efforts.

Salary Grade

UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salarygrade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile

The Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition & Health Promotion has academic, research and extension education missions within the traditions of land-grant universities. The Department has faculty with expertise in biochemistry, nutrition/dietetics, food science, and/or health promotion disciplines. The Department offers B.S., M.S., M.P.H., and Ph.D. degrees and currently has approximately 550 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students. A hallmark of the Department is its success in preparing undergraduates for medical school, dental school, veterinary school, as well as other biomedical professional and/or graduate programs.

Area of Specialization

Biochemistry

Anticipated Appointment Date

January 1, 2027.

Tenure Track Status

Yes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses as well as developing graduate-level coursework
• Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students
• Conducting research, seeking extramural funding, publishing scholarly works
• Performing departmental, college, university, and professional service

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, computational biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Experience in proposal writing and publications in refereed journals. Ability to work collaboratively, strong oral and writing communication skills, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and collegial work environment; work effectively with others as a team member.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS)

Yes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching biochemistry-related courses at the post-secondary level
• Experience writing and submitting grant proposals

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Applicants must (1) have the ability to develop a research program in their area of interest supported, in part, via extramural funding, (2) teach in various areas of biochemistry, (3) have people skills needed to advise both undergraduate and graduate students in the field, (4) successfully work with a diverse, international student population and faculty.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.

Screening Date

September 10, 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 equalopportunity 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, [phone].

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 [phone] or [e-mail] . If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail] . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.