Research Associate

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a Research Associate to plan, coordinate, and conduct research in Agricultural Sciences and related disciplines. The role involves designing experiments, analyzing data, preparing manuscripts, and presenting results at conferences.

It is a non-tenure track, externally funded position contingent on funding availability with anticipated appointment date in September 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline.
• Rank and salary commensurate with education and/or experience.
• Master's degree in a discipline related to the job/position/department.
• 3 years discipline related experience.
• Knowledge of MSU research processes.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research with independent evaluation and modification of techniques.
• Applies analytical approaches to solve varied problems and selects methods for novel issues.
• Demonstrates thorough understanding of scientific methods, protocols, and data interpretation.
• Designs, performs, and oversees experiments to ensure data quality and protocol compliance.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares reports, graphs, and manuscripts for publication; presents results.
• Independently performs most tasks with guidance on unusual problems.
• Ensures proper care of equipment and promotes safety/environmental practices.
• Mantains currency of knowledge on relevant technology and systems.
• Leads, guides, and may train staff/students; may assist in recruitment of volunteers.
• Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• Ability to complete responsible conduct of research protocol in first 2 months.

Skills

Scientific methodology

Data analysis

Research design

Safety procedures

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Master's degree in related discipline

Job description

Position Function:

Under general supervision, employs a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in a particular field of specialization to plan, coordinate, and conduct research.

Research Associates in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station hold part-time, or full-time, non-tenure track positions to assist in the planning, coordination and/or conduct of research projects. The Research Associate, an externally-funded professional, reports to a project director. These positions are contingent on the availability of funding, generally for a specified period of time.

MAFES disciplines and departments can be found at mafes.msstate.edu.

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:

Please see mafes.msstate.edu.

Area of Specialization:

Agricultural Sciences and related disciplines

Anticipated Appointment Date:

September 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
• 2. Applies an analytical approach to the solution of a wide variety of problems, or applies specialized techniques or ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems.
• 3. Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
• 4. Designs, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
• 5. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups.
• 6. Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems.
• 7. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• 8. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• 9. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
• 10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• 11. Ability to complete responsible conduct of research protocol in first 2 months of employment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline.
• Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a discipline related to the job/position/department.
• 3 years discipline related experience.
• Knowledge of MSU research processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 1. Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
• 2. Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
• 3. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• 4. Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
• 5. Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
• 6. Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work environment could involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. Details specific to the position will be discussed during the interview process.

Screening Date:

September 1, 2026, until filled.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

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 thisjob listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.