Research Associate I-III, or Senior

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Mississippi is seeking a qualified individual for a computer science support role. This position involves developing data management capabilities and visualization techniques for NOAA and its partners. Applicants should have a relevant bachelor's degree and experience in cloud-based programming. Responsibilities include analyzing data management solutions, optimizing existing tools, and providing support during research projects. This full-time role is located at the Mississippi State University Science and Technology Center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's or doctoral degree preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of related experience for master's degree holders.
• Ability to receive Department of Commerce clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide computer science support for data management development.
• Analyze and implement data collection solutions.
• Optimize and automate data visualization tools.

Skills

Cloud-based programming

Data management

Data visualization

Quality control processes

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Science or Engineering

Master's Degree preferred

Doctoral Degree optional

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510435
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 191001 - Northern Gulf Institute
Location: Hancock County
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: Apr 8 2026

Position Function

Provide computer science support in the development of data management capabilities and visualization techniques for NOAA and its partners. An experienced computer scientist with extensive development experience and cloud-based programming is required to complete this work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Effective Technology Solutions
   • Analyze, identify, recommend, and implement solutions to the gaps in data management capabilities resulting from the development of new and existing environmental data sensors and platforms.
   • Analyze, identify, recommend, and implement solutions to the increased complexities of multi-dimensional and non-traditional data sets that are outside the stewardship solutions currently available to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Oceanographic and Geophysical Sciences and Services Division (OGSSD).
   • Data Collections and Archive: Collect ocean surface marine and meteorological data from the global ocean observing systems and archive them at NCEI and the Global Data Assembly Centers (GDACs).
2. Support NCEI partner efforts
   • Review and improve Quality Control (QC) processes to improve data quality.
   • Optimize and automate data visualization tools and products for multidisciplinary oceanographic, coastal, and marine data.
   • Identify, develop and shepherd the migration of tools, products, and services from NGl research to NOAA NCEI operations once fully vetted.
   • Provide scientific expertise to assist restoration project performers in developing and optimizing effective data management processes and procedures, ensuring efficient end-to-end data stewardship.
   • Provide at-sea data and sampling support aboard NOAA research cruises on NOAA and non-NOAA vessels using a variety of at-sea data collection platforms.
   • Work directly with users to turn feedback and ideas into solutions.

This position may supervise other research staff. The position will be located at the Mississippi State University Science and Technology Center at the Stennis Space Center, MS.

Minimum Qualifications

Department of Commerce Clearance: Ability to receive a Department of Commerce moderate risk clearance.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A professional employee with a bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering, or a demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research/Extension Associate I level.
• Associate II: Bachelor's degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
• Associate III: Bachelor's degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience and the equivalent of the master’s degree.
• Master’s Degree: Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience for Associate II; 3 years for Associate III; 6 years for Senior Associate.
• Doctoral Degree: Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for Associate III; 3 years for Senior Associate.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Occasional and/or light lifting required up to 10 pounds. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, etc.; none to the degree of being disagreeable. Frequent standing, walking, climbing, or balancing required. Routine deadlines, 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.

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

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 would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, 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 this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.