Corn/Small Grains Agronomist

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University seeks a tenure-track Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in corn and small grain agronomy with a 12-month appointment beginning January 1, 2027. The role emphasizes an integrated research (70%) and teaching (30%) program across campus and collaborating with multiple departments.

The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized program, mentor graduate students, and pursue extramural funding with potential co-appointment as The Triplett Corn Promotion

Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop or Soil Science or a closely related field is required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Willingness to engage in team-based, collaborative work across departments.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a nationally recognized research program in corn and small grain agronomy.
• Conduct and publish research on cultural practices affecting production systems.
• Collaborate with department and campus colleagues and seek extramural funding.
• Supervise and train graduate students and contribute to teaching as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop or Soil Science

Job description

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking applicants for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate/Full Professor with a research (70%)/teaching (30%) appointment in corn and small grain agronomics. This position will be a 12-month tenure track appointment with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.

For candidates with experience or appointment at the Associate or Full Professor levels, the position may also include co-appointment as The Triplett Corn Promotion Board Professor. This Professorship carries the professorship title, and additional salary stipend and some programmatic support. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with faculty and staff from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences as well as with other departments across campus and other institutions.

Mississippi State 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 33 on- and 14 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art, newly renovated laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant and Soil Sciences with Master's and Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy and, Horticulture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The goal of this position is to develop a nationally recognized research program in the area of applied corn and small grain agronomy and production. The successful candidate will conduct research on cultural practices influencing corn and small grain production systems. Desirable areas of expertise are corn production and agronomy, including crop physiology, crop ecology and tillage systems, soil fertility and nutrient management, modern production practices and precision agriculture, statistical analyses, water or irrigation management, or other agriculture-related science. Regional and multi-state collaboration on research projects is expected as well as the ability to garner extramural funding to support research efforts.

Corn is the second highest planted crop acreage in Mississippi. Checkoff funding is available through the Mississippi Corn Promotion Board. The Promotion Board views this position as a priority for the department and producers in the state. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty and staff with multiple departments at Mississippi State University.

Teaching responsibilities include a split-level Grain Crops production course as well as active participation in supervising and training graduate students. The incumbent will be expected to teach one additional course suited to the candidate’s experience. Each course will be taught once per year. The successful candidate should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as demonstrated experience in design and execution of field and laboratory research. Demonstrated publication experience in refereed journals is critical. Service to the department, college, university, and professional societies is expected.

Job Qualifications:

Earned Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop or Soil Science or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher learning is required. Applicants who are “ABD” (All but Dissertation) will be considered. Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability of organization and leadership skills are important as well as the willingness to address issues in a team environment. Preferred qualifications include a strong background with corn and grain crops and familiarity with modern agricultural production practices.

Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational and leadership skills are also imperative. Exposure to educational and agricultural conditions. Lifting, sitting, standing, squatting, etc. will be required. Exposure to chemicals, dust, heat, and cold. Additional exposures may be encountered in a lab setting.

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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