Research Scientist , II, III, or Senior

Research Scientist I, II, III, or Senior

Position details:
Job no 510205;
Full-Time 12-Month;
Department 191001 - Northern Gulf Institute;
Location MS Gulf Coast;
Categories Professional;
Position Open Date Feb 5 2026.

Lead microplastic research and stewardship efforts at the Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) at Mississippi State University in collaboration with the National Center of Environmental Information (NCEI) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

• Conduct microplastics research while actively pursuing external funding to support with NGI and NCEI scientists.
• Provide outreach and education focused efforts on microplastics issues and potential solutions.
• Develop a microplastics database and data product with NCEI.
• Submit manuscripts (1-2 annually) for peer reviewed publication.
• Represent NGI and NCEI as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in marine microplastics.

A Ph.D. in environmental or marine science, bioinformatics, microbiology, biology, or a related field; experience in marine microplastics collection field methodologies; outreach and stewardship experience including presentation and workshop hosting; data science programming (e.g., Python, R); strong publication record. Level of appointment (Research I, II, or III) is commensurate with qualifications and experience, with specific criteria as follows:

• Research Scientist I – Ph.D. in environmental or marine science, biology, or related field; less than one year in a related area.
• Research Scientist II – Ph.D. in environmental or marine science, biology, or related field; two years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.
• Research Scientist III – Ph.D. in environmental or marine science, biology, or related field; four years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.
• Senior Research Scientist – PhD in environmental or marine science, biology, or related field; 10 or more years of professional experience in a related area; requires two years at previous level or equivalent.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Marine policy understanding.

Occasional and/or light lifting; limited exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but not to a level of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards. Routine deadlines with some interruptions; 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, and to distinguish colors.

Apply online tate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Redact any social security numbers on transcripts prior to submission.

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 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, .