Research Associate, Research Scientist

Position: Research Associate I

Apply now Job no: 509846

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 011100 - Plant and Soil Sciences

Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS

Categories: Professional

Position Open Date: Oct 10 2025

Position Function

This is a full-time, 12-month position contingent upon external grant funding, with continued employment dependent on the availability of those funds. The appointee will support research activities within the MSSTATE Cotton Agronomy Research Program. The primary objectives are to:

• Establish and monitor Mississippi Cotton Small Plot Varieties in multiple growing environments across the state.
• Participate in multiple research trials sponsored by Cotton Incorporated, including trial establishment, data collection, and reporting.
• Establish multiple industry‑supported cotton research trials.
• Assist graduate student research trials.

Mississippi State University is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land‑grant institution and has the largest on‑campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on‑ and 26 off‑campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments.

The programs are supported by state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.

Area of Specialization

Cotton Agronomy

Anticipated Appointment Date

January 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate statewide Cotton OVT location both with growers and other MSSTATE research farms.
• Manage and conduct agronomy based field and greenhouse experiments.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in managing the daily operations of the Mississippi State Cotton Agronomy program.
• Collect, organize, and analyze research data; maintain spreadsheets; perform statistical analyses; and contribute to reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in discipline related to the position.
• 3 years related experience.
• Knowledge of MSU research processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
• Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in related field.
• Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
• Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work environment could involve some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. Conditions will also require heavy lifting. Details specific to the position will be discussed during the interview process.

Required Documents

Upload a cover letter, current resume, and list of three professional references.

Screening Date

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, .

What

do I do if I need an accommodation?

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If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at  or adatate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Advertised

Advertised: Oct 10 2025 Central Daylight Time

Applications close:

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