Research Associate, Agriculture ​/ Farming, Research Scientist

Research Associate

The beef cattle research program at the North MS Research and Extension Center focuses on developing sustainable/profitable management strategies for the beef cattle industry. This Research Associate position will support research at the Prairie Research Unit (Prairie, MS) and at the Northeast MS Branch Experiment Station (Verona, MS). The incumbent is expected to work closely with the research team to satisfy the goals and expectations of funded projects at both locations.

Areas of emphasis are beef cattle production.

Salary Grade: 13

Prairie Research Unit is a MAFES branch of the North MS Research and Extension Center, which exists to serve the needs of agriculture in northeastern Mississippi. It is a part of the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine of Mississippi State University (MSU), the State's Land Grant Institution.

Beef Cattle

October 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists faculty, staff, and/or students with research and/or projects.
• Maintains accurate and timely records related to farm and research operations.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
• Operates a variety of laboratory equipment, including autoclave, centrifuge, homogenizers, gas and liquid chromatographs.
• Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Summarizes and presents research results at producer/grower field days and scientific meetings.
• 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.
• Operates farm equipment.
• Assists with cattle handling and care to include feeding and herd health tasks.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in animal science or closely related field.
• Licensure:
  Valid driver's license.
• Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science in animal science or related field.
• A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License or willingness and ability to obtain this license is desirable.
• Field and laboratory work experience beyond the minimum required.
• Experience with laboratory techniques such as pipetting, colorimetric assays, ELISA, and stock solution preparation.
• Previous experience operating farm equipment.
• Desire to seek further educational degrees closely related to the scope of work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects.
• Knowledge and field/laboratory skills to work in sustainable agricultural practices.
• Computer skills for data analysis (MS Excel, SAS) are also expected.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with faculty, staff, producers, and the general public.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently is essential.
• Ability to safely operate vehicles.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.
• Will operate and work in close proximity with heavy farm equipment.
• Contact with herbicides and pesticides is frequent.
• Work is normally performed in an agricultural field, equipment shop, and office environment.

Supervision Received:
Supervision from a designated faculty member. Given:
Provide oversight to student workers and intermittent employees

Screening Date:
September 2, 2026, until filled.

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…