Research Associate I

Mississippi State University; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University’s Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) seeks a software/data specialist to support the NOAA ARGO program, focusing on multi-language software, documentation, and transitioning scripts into production workflows.

The role emphasizes FAIR data principles and ongoing system reliability in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering or related field with appropriate experience.
• Master’s degree with relevant experience qualifies for higher levels; Doctoral degree also acceptable.
• Knowledge of data analysis and software development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Delivering high-reliability software suites and production-grade applications for the ARGO program.
• Transitioning experimental scripts into stable, transparent operational workflows that ensure global data integrity and accessibility.

Skills

Data analysis

Software development

Oceanography basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Engineering or related field

Doctoral degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Linux

Phyton

Job description

Position Function:

The primary function of this position will be supporting software development and data analysis within the NOAA ARGO program. This includes supporting the end-to-end lifecycle of NOAA Argo data, from real‑time ingestion to the dissemination of research-quality products. Specifically, the selected candidate will develop and maintain high-performance software across multi‑language environments to ensure 24/7 operational reliability; implement rigorous documentation standards to ensure system continuity and technical transparency; accelerate the transition of experimental scripts into hardened operational workflows; and uphold international FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles, ensuring all software development meets modern global standards for data integrity and accessibility.

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 Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute comprised of six academic institutions that are geographically distributed across the U.S. Gulf Coast states. The six NGI member institutions are Mississippi State University (lead), the University of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. Together with NOAA and in support of their strategic plan, NGI conducts research on interconnections among Gulf of Mexico environments, habitats, resources, and people and engages in outreach to help others learn about and make decisions based on these interconnections.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Delivering high-reliability software suites and production‑grade applications supported by rigorous, FAIR‑compliant documentation and maintenance schedules for the ARGO program
• Transitioning experimental scripts into stable, transparent operational workflows that ensure global data integrity and accessibility.

Minimum Qualifications:

Grade and salary will be commensurate with individual’s background, education and experience.

Beginning with a bachelor’s degree:

A professional employee with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research/Extension Associate I level. To begin at the Research/Extension Associate II level, one must have a bachelor’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.

To begin at the Research/Extension Associate III level, one must have a bachelor’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience and the equivalent of the master’s degree.

Beginning with a master’s degree:

A professional employee with a master’s degree in Engineering or related field, one year of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research/Extension Associate II level. To begin at the Research/Extension Associate III level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.

To begin at the Senior Research/Extension Associate level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience.

Beginning with a doctoral degree:

A professional employee with a doctoral degree in Engineering or related field with two years of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research/Extension Associate III level.

To begin at the Senior Research/Extension Associate level, one must have a doctoral degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Data Analysis
• Experience in Software Development
• Basic Knowledge in Oceanography

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with Linux and Phyton
• Work well in a collaborative team environment or individually
• Be willing to work in a range of environmental conditions
• Desire to work with a range of datasets and applications
• Strong interpersonal, communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.

Routine deadlines, usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Job frequently requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.

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.