Assistant/Associate Professor

Position Function:

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University (MSU), is seeking applications for a full time, 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant/Associate Professor rank. This person will be involved in 70% research and 30% teaching. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. We seek a wildlife disease and One Health ecologist interested in both terrestrial and/or aquatic vertebrates whose research will span observational, experimental and/or molecular approaches including spatial and hierarchical statistical modeling to address applied questions of disease ecology within the context of One Health.

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:

The Southeastern U.S. hosts some of the greatest species biodiversity in North America including numerous endangered and threatened species; many of these species are threatened by emerging pathogens, contaminants and invasive species. Some recent and ongoing disease invasions in Mississippi include chronic wasting disease, white-nose syndrome, ranavirus, chytrid, avian influenza and various vector-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential. Mississippi State University is ranked as one of the top research institutions in the United States. The Carnegie Institute has designated MSU as a "R1 – very high research activity" doctoral granting institution. The National Science Foundation has MSU as ranked No. 12 nationally in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation research expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 35-member faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. The department has a highly collegial and interdisciplinary group of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and Extension associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science in the nation. As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 320+ undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also mentors over 80 graduate students across a variety of programs, with high job placement following receipt of a graduate degree. A description of the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture can be found at http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife

Area of Specialization:

Wildlife Disease Ecology and One Health

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 16, 2022

Tenure Track Status:

Tenure Track

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Potential areas of research include spatial and behavioral epidemiology, zoonotics, virology, vector-parasite coevolution, emerging infectious diseases, host-pathogen systems, vector range expansion, toxicology and disease or pathogen genomics. Specifically, the individual’s research program is expected to support and develop disease diagnostics, surveillance, and management strategies. Assisting state/federal agencies with wildlife plans to manage or mitigate disease outbreaks is an essential component of this position. The applicant is also expected to study disease dynamics in both natural and semi-natural environments within a multi-disciplinary group focused on One Health, with the goal to integrate epidemiological, ecological, genetic and socioeconomic factors. Studying how habitat degradation, environmental perturbations, wildlife trade, exotic species or climate change impacts disease emergence, re-emergence or movement across landscapes are of great interest.

Applicants with dual degrees are especially encouraged to apply (PhD/DVM), and the new team member should be able to contribute to a diverse faculty group and demonstrate how their research and teaching program will complement and enrich the department. The primary responsibilities of this position will be the development of a productive, externally-funded, and nationally/internationally recognized research program, publishing high-impact journal articles, effective mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students, serving on committees, participating in professional societies, organizing outreach activities to wildlife or One Health stakeholders, and teaching within the Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture program. Teaching responsibilities may include one or more undergraduate/graduate courses per semester consistent with the candidate’s expertise and departmental need. Other responsibilities will include supervision of the wildlife pre-vet program (includes advising), creating a One Health umbrella program in the department, lead a study-abroad wildlife disease program for interested pre-vet students and assist with the needs of partners/collaborators associated with the MSU program (e.g. U.S. Forest Service International Programs, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, U.S.D.A APHIS-Wildlife Services-National Wildlife Research Center, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine,).

Minimum Qualifications:

We are seeking dual PhD/DVM degree candidates with expertise in various aspects of wildlife disease ecology as described above. PhDs with substantial experience in disease ecology are also encouraged to apply. Excellence in teaching, communication and organizational skills, peer-reviewed publications, and a commitment to service are expected. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse scientific disciplines, various stakeholder groups, and federal and state natural resource agencies to support long-term partnerships.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

No

Preferred Qualifications:

Postdoctoral or agency research experience, procurement of extramural funds to accomplish research, facilitation of graduate students, and mentoring and teaching experience. Preference will be given to candidates whose research naturally crosses disciplinary lines.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Applications must be submitted online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/listing/; position (PARF # 504017) and should include a 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) research statement and philosophy emphasizing linkage to One Health, 4) teaching statement and philosophy, and 5) un-official or official transcripts for this phase of the application. Any social security numbers on requested transcripts or other applicant documents should be redacted prior to submitting.

For more additional information, contact search chair Dr. Mark D. McConnell at mdm380@msstate.edu

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

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.