Research Technician

Mississippi State University; Starkville, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a hands-on position to support research activities at the Poultry Research Unit on South Farm. The role involves animal care, data collection, and assisting with processing and feed tasks under the supervision of the Poultry Farm Manager.

The ideal candidate holds a high school diploma, has four years of related experience, and a valid driver's license. Weekend work and after-hours availability may be required to support research operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Four years of experience related to the duties.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Experience working with poultry is preferred.
• Ability to follow instructions and work with others.
• General maintenance experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist professors, staff and/or students with research projects on the farm, including setting up pens, weighing birds, sampling, processing, and recording research data.
• Animal care including feeding, cleaning, vaccinating, preparing chick facilities, mortality handling, and responding to tunnel house alarms.
• Maintain buildings and grounds, including basic plumbing, carpentry, and equipment maintenance, and occasional vehicle servicing.
• Availability to work weekends and after hours in case of emergencies at the research units.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Follow instructions

Teamwork

General maintenance

Poultry handling

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Position Function:

This position reports to the Poultry Farm Manager and provides support and assistance to facilitate research activities on the Poultry Research Unit on South Farm at Mississippi State University.

Salary Grade

Salary Grade:11

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:

https://www.poultry.msstate.edu/

Anticipated Appointment Date:

September 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist professors, staff and/or students with research projects at the farm, including but not limited to setting up pens, weighing birds, catching birds for sampling or processing, working in the processing plant, bagging and transporting feed, unloading pallets of feed, and collecting and recording research data (body weights, feed weights, mortality, temperature, relative humidity, egg production, identification numbers, treatments numbers and/or letters, organ weights, hatchability, etc.).
• Animal care, including but not limited to feeding, cleaning, and vaccinating, preparation of building for receipt of chicks, picking up mortality in research and tunnel houses; assist when tunnel house birds are sold (including potentially occasional night shifts); and maintain proper environments which includes responding to controller alarms from tunnel houses.
• General maintenance on buildings, equipment, and grounds, to include but not limited to:
  • Cleaning and servicing vehicles and equipment
  • Replacing feed motors (requires minor electrical)
  • Basic plumbing
  • Basic carpentry tasks, when needed
  • Mowing, outdoor maintenance, when needed
• Availability to work weekends and to be available after hours in case of an emergency at either of the research units.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma.
• Experience: Four (4) years of experience related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Licensure: Must have a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with poultry

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to work with others.
• General maintenance experience

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.
• Involves exposure to dust and chicken dander.

Screening Date:

August 18, 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 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.