Meat Laboratory Associate

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a Meat Laboratory Associate to assist in the research management and production operations of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory. The 15,000 sq ft facility supports state-of-the-art processing for teaching and research on campus.

The successful candidate will contribute to harvest, fabrication, processing, distribution, and retailing of meat products, ensure USDA FSIS inspection,

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED; substitution allowed: an equivalent combination of related education and related experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Animal and Dairy Science or closely related field preferred.
• Experience with meat laboratory management or meats judging is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Harvest, fabrication, processing, distribution, and retailing of meat products.
• Assist with research projects and teaching activities.
• Fulfill USDA (FSIS) inspection, HACCP, and SSOP requirements.
• Assist in the training and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students.
• Maintain a safe and clean facility.
• Operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.

Skills

Butchery knowledge

USDA regulations knowledge

Safety and sanitation

Supervision/training

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Animal and Dairy Science

Job description

Position Function:

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in all aspects of the Meat Science and Muscle Biology laboratory management. This includes harvest, fabrication, processing, distribution, and retailing of meat products, as well as sanitation and supply inventory, while adhering to all USDA regulations.

Salary Grade: 12

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:

The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences is currently seeking a Meat Laboratory Associate to assist in the research management and production operations of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory. The Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory is a 15,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art processing facility.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Harvest, fabrication, processing, distribution, and retailing of meat products.
2. Assist with research projects and teaching activities.
3. Fulfill USDA (FSIS) inspection, HACCP, and SSOP requirements.
4. Assist in the training and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students.
5. Maintain a safe and clean facility.
6. Operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.

Multiple Units on campus utilize the Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory. The successful candidate will be expected to work with faculty from all Departments.

In addition to the job requirements listed above, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to explore an advanced degree.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Substitution allowed: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal and Dairy Science or a closely related field.
• Preference will be given to a candidate with meat laboratory management or meats judging experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of all aspects of butchery including, but not limited to, harvest, fabrication, retail merchandising, further processing and cooking. Must have knowledge of USDA regulations regarding meat processing establishments and comprehensive experience in HACCP, GMPs, SSOPS, Pest Control, and Biosecurity.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Frequent heavy or intense physical requirements may be required. The position has routine deadlines; usually, sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than the immediate supervisor. Job frequently requires standing, walking, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Job occasionally requires sitting, climbing, or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/ crawling, and lifting more than 100 pounds.

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?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [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 thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.