Research Associate

Mississippi State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a research-oriented professional to assist in horticulture studies at a CMREC location. You will participate in field, greenhouse, and lab work, execute protocols, record data meticulously, and contribute to data analysis and technical writing as part of a collaborative team.

The role involves growing and maintaining plant material, assisting with field days, and updating the trial garden website.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree required.
• Masters in horticulture or related field preferred with 3+ years experience.

Responsibilities

• Follow research protocols and plan/implement field experiments and record data.
• Grow, maintain, and harvest plants in field, greenhouse, and lab.
• Manage greenhouse production, monitor control systems, and check pH/EC levels.

Skills

Data analysis

Experimental design

Plant biology

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Excel

Pipetting

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Position Function:

To assist with the research work involved in establishing, maintaining, and conducting horticulture studies, collecting and analyzing data, and processing samples from experiments. The individual will be part of a research team for a horticulture research station. The person will be expected to work independently and in cooperation with faculty, staff, and field labor. The applicant is also expected to perform work assignments outlined by the research professor.

Salary Grade : 13

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 Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center (CMREC) is one of four Research and Extension Centers in the MSU System and located in Raymond, MS. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) - Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station is administratively associated with the CMREC and located in Crystal Springs, MS. The station's primary mission is to conduct research to benefit the Mississippi vegetable, ornamental, fruit, and/or nut industries.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

November 1, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These duties include:

• 1. Following research protocols, planning and implementing field experiments, and harvesting/recording data in the field, greenhouse, and lab setting data
• 2. Planting, fertilizing, scouting for plant problems, cross-pollinating, propagating with cuttings and tissue culture, spraying, weeding, weighing, counting, cataloging, measuring, and harvesting
• 3. Growing and maintaining quality plant material in the field, greenhouse, and lab setting
• 4. Greenhouse production, including scheduling, monitoring the control system, and checking pH and EC levels etc.
• 5. Safely handling, mixing, and applying pesticides and fertilizers
• 6. Meticulous record keeping
• 7. Data recording and entry into computer spreadsheets
• 8. Data analysis and technical writing
• 9. Assisting with field days, sales, and other activities on the experiment station as needed
• 10. Updating the trial garden website
• 11. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Horticulture or related field with a minimum of 3 years experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Time management and organization skills required
• Knowledge of data analysis and experimental design preferred
• Fundamental knowledge of plant biology and genetics preferred
• Proficiency with computer programs, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and initiative to learn new computer programs as needed
• Ability to conduct experiments within a laboratory, including proper pipette use and ability to follow written protocols preferred
• Ability to maintain lab sanitation by practicing proper disinfection and disposal procedures for tissue and cultural waste

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Willingness and ability to work in an outdoor garden environment are essential.

Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to and often over 50 pounds. Physical work is a large portion of the job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Screening Date:

September 29, 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 ResourcesManagement 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.