Assistant Research Professor

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Stoneville, MS is seeking a candidate for a Full-Time faculty position focused on agronomy and irrigation efficiency. The successful applicant will conduct innovative research at the Delta Research and Extension Center, supporting Mississippi producers' needs while preserving groundwater resources. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is essential, along with strong communication skills and a track record in research and grant funding.

Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in plant and soil sciences or agronomy (ABD considered).
• Proven ability to pursue extramural funding through grant proposals.
• Strong experience in irrigation efficiency for row crop production preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth agronomic research to optimize row crop production systems.
• Collaborate with commodity groups and agribusinesses to promote efficient irrigation practices.
• Communicate research results clearly to producers and publish in professional journals.
• Facilitate information transfer to stakeholders through effective program delivery and technology use.
• Collaborate on grant and contract proposals, presenting research findings at local, state, regional, and national meetings.
• Communicate research results clearly to producers, consultants, and Extension personnel; publish in professional journals.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to educational programs.
• Participate actively in professional societies, committees, and commodity groups to coordinate irrigation and agronomic crop research goals.

Skills

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Experience in agricultural production

Statistics and experimental design

Organizational and leadership abilities

Education

Ph.D. in plant and soil sciences, agronomy, or a closely related field

ABD considered

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510244
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 013200 - Delta Research and Extension Center
Location: Stoneville, MS
Categories: Faculty
Position Open Date: Feb 13 2026

Overview

This is a 100% research appointment with Mississippi State University located at the Delta Research and Extension Center, National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR) in Stoneville, MS, with an academic affiliation in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. The incumbent will pursue an innovative and comprehensive program in agronomy focused on water use in agriculture, balancing scientific merit with the practical needs of Mississippi producers and the preservation of groundwater resources. The primary function of this position is to develop, coordinate, and implement research programs aimed at reducing irrigation needs of agronomic crops in the Mississippi Delta. Work will involve a multidisciplinary team and will include research on existing technologies and development of novel approaches to lower irrigation demand.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth agronomic research to optimize row crop production systems in the Mississippi Delta.
• Collaborate with commodity groups, producers, and agribusinesses to promote efficient irrigation practices and identify water‑conserving techniques that sustain or improve yields and profitability.
• Work systemically across disciplines—cooperating with agronomists, entomologists, plant pathologists, and other scientists—to develop holistic irrigation management approaches.
• Facilitate information transfer to stakeholders through effective program delivery and technology use.
• Collaborate on grant and contract proposals, presenting research findings at local, state, regional, and national meetings.
• Communicate research results clearly to producers, consultants, and Extension personnel; publish in professional journals.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to educational programs.
• Participate actively in professional societies, committees, and commodity groups to coordinate irrigation and agronomic crop research goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in plant and soil sciences, agronomy, or a closely related field from an accredited institution (ABD considered).
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, experience with agricultural production, statistics, and experimental design.
• Proven ability to pursue extramural funding through grant proposals and collaborations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience in irrigation efficiency for row crop production and demonstrated excellence or potential in research, grant funding, and scholarly publishing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.

Application Process

Applicants must submit an online application at www.msujobs.msstate.edu, including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (including statement of current position and responsibilities)
• Academic transcripts (SSN redacted)
• Statement of research philosophy and research interests
• Three letters of reference online to Dr. Drew Gholson, Associate Professor, Delta Research and Extension Center, P.O. Box 197, Stoneville, MS 38776, [e-mail]

Screening of applications is expected to begin on March 1st and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

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].

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, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail].