Assistant Professor - Extension Row Crop Weed Scientist

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University in Starkville seeks a full-time 12-month Assistant Professor of Weed Science to lead statewide Extension weed management for major Mississippi row crops. The position is tenure-track and will provide statewide leadership for science-based weed management, with applied extension, field demonstrations, and collaboration with county personnel and industry partners.

The role emphasizes producing extension publications, securing external funding, mentoring graduate and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field with substantial training in weed management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to translate research into Extension education and guidance.
• ABDs or degree pending considered (all but dissertation).

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an applied Extension Weed Science program responsive to Mississippi stakeholder needs.
• Integrated weed management.
• Herbicide stewardship and resistance management.
• Diagnosis and response to emerging weed control problems.
• County agent training and field demonstrations.
• Extension publications and digital resources; peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborate with state, regional, and national partners.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students; participate in instruction and committees.

Skills

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Outreach experience

Program development

Education

Ph.D. in Weed Science

Job description

Position Function:

The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection (ASPP)at Mississippi State University seeks to fill a full-time, 12-monthAssistant Professor position in Weed Science based in Starkville onthe main campus. The position will carry a 100% Extension,tenure-track appointment and will provide statewide leadership forscience-based weed management in all major row crops grown inMississippi, complementing existing Weed Science programs. Theprogram will serve county Extension personnel, producers,consultants, agricultural retailers, pesticide applicators,industry, agencies, and additional stakeholders.

Salary Grade:

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 aredetermined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection hasacademic, research, and Extension education missions within theland-grant tradition. The department includes expertise inentomology, plant pathology, weed science, and interdisciplinaryagricultural science and supports undergraduate, graduate,research, and statewide Extension programs.

Area of Specialization:

Extension Row Crop Weed Scientist.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

May 1, 2027.

Tenure Track Status:

Yes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will develop and lead an applied Extension Weed Science program responsive to Mississippi stakeholder needs.
• integrated weed management
• herbicide stewardship and resistance management
• diagnosis and response to emerging weed control problems
• county agent training
• field demonstrations
• Extension publications and digital resources
• peer-reviewed publications
• and collaboration with state, regional, and national partners
• The incumbent will conduct applied research and field demonstrations to support science-based Extension suggestions and will pursue external funding to strengthen the program.
• Close collaboration with ASPP Weed Science faculty, county Extension personnel, research and Extension centers, commodity groups, consultants, agricultural retailers, and industry is expected.
• Graduate and undergraduate student mentoring, guest instruction, committee service, and additional academic contributions are expected.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agronomy, Plant Science, Crop Science, or a closely related field with substantial training in weed management is required by the date of appointment (or “all but dissertation” completed and graduation imminent). Candidates must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to translate research-based information into effective Extension education and suggestions for agricultural audiences.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Extension or applied outreach
• demonstrated expertise in integrated weed management, herbicide resistance, herbicide stewardship, agronomic crop production, or other weed-management systems relevant to Mississippi
• experience working with county agents, producers, consultants, agricultural retailers, and industry
• evidence of multidisciplinary collaboration
• experience obtaining extramural support
• and a record of effective educational communication

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to develop and evaluate Extension programs
• communicate technical information to diverse audiences
• diagnose field weed-management problems
• work effectively in interdisciplinary teams
• coordinate statewide activities
• manage multiple projects and deadlines
• and build productive relationships with Extension personnel and agricultural stakeholders

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Frequent travel within Mississippi and outdoor field work are expected. Duties may include work in hot and humid conditions, walking over uneven agricultural terrain, participation in fielddays and demonstrations, working with agricultural equipment, and movement of field or demonstration materials.

Screening Date:

October 8, 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 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, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

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