Assistant or Associate Professor - Agricultural Microbiomes

Position Function:

The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and the College and Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor with expertise in microbiome research in any area as it applies to agricultural systems (including, but not limited to, animals, plants, soils and/or the environment, aquaculture and/or seafood, human nutrition, spatial epidemiology of microbial communities, etc.). The incumbent is expected to develop a nationally recognized research program and teach courses. The position is a 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated 75% research and 25% teaching appointment (negotiable). The position will be housed or affiliated with the most relevant department/school based on the expertise of the incumbent. The likely departments/schools within CALS-MAFES that might house this position includes Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Animal and Dairy Sciences, Poultry Science, Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Plant and Soil Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, or Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. The incumbent will have opportunities to be housed on the Mississippi State University campus or at one of the four outlying Research and Extension Centers depending on the area of expertise and appropriateness of location to the incumbent’s skillset and interests.

Salary Grade : UC

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:

See mafes.msstate.edu and cals.msstate.edu

Area of Specialization:

Agricultural Microbiomes

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 1, 2023.

Tenure Track Status:

Yes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The individual will be expected to develop a nationally recognized research program focused on their specialization in microbiome research with preference for those that use big data/computational resources in research to address relevant agricultural production issues or applications. The discipline area where microbiome research will be applied and investigated is dependent on the candidate’s area of expertise and interests. The incumbent will be expected to collaborate in cross-disciplinary teams and can establish access to high-performance computing resources through our on-campus centers and institutes. Establishment of a strong record of securing extramural funding and developing scholarly publications and presentations is expected. Teaching responsibilities will be determined based on needs in the field of expertise and may include undergraduate and graduate courses with opportunities for new course development. The successful candidate should be able to effectively advise undergraduate students and train graduate students. A collaborative and collegial approach with faculty and staff within Mississippi State University and with external partners and stakeholders is essential. Candidates should also express their commitment to service through activities such as participation on department, college, and university committees and via service to appropriate professional associations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in a field which will fit within an existing department/school of MAFES/CALS. The successful candidate will be expected to have the ability to work collaboratively as part of research teams using high-performance computing resources as applicable. Candidates must have excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to foster a diverse and inclusive team atmosphere. Candidates who are ABD will be considered at the Assistant Professor level, and rank or tenure at the Associate Professor level will be determined based on applicant qualifications.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional experience and commitment to excellence in research and instruction and demonstrated successful research team collaborations are desired. Candidates with a demonstrated track record of grantsmanship and publishing in peer-reviewed journals are preferred. Experience managing student research projects, training students in research, and innovative classroom instruction are desired. A working knowledge of research questions relevant to agricultural stakeholders is preferred.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu, and will be required to submit a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and unofficial or official transcripts of all degrees. Names and contact information of three professional references are also required. Official transcripts for all degrees will be required from the successful candidate if selected on hire. Any social security numbers on requested transcripts or other applicant documents should be redacted. Inquires or requests for addition information can be emailed to Dr. Jamie Larson at JLarson@ads.msstate.edu or (662) 325-7552. Application reviews will begin October 11 and will continue until the position is filled.

Screening Date:

October 11, 2023 until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), 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: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.