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Assistant Professor - Extension & Agronomy

Employer
Mississippi State University
Location
Mississippi, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Apr 27, 2022

Job Details



Position Function:

Candidates are sought to provide aggressive leadership in the development and implementation of a nationally recognized research and Extension program addressing Mississippi’s row crop industry. The successful candidate is expected to secure research funding, conduct research, publish results, actively participate in graduate education, and maintain regional and national visibility in the academic profession. The goal is to provide producers, professional farm managers, agribusiness professionals, and others with objective, research-based information on row crop production. Development of and continued attention to productive interactions with stakeholders including growers and allied industry representatives is an essential function of this position.
The successful candidate is expected to develop an applied, multidisciplinary research and Extension program for row crops related to new and existing production practices and systems. Research and Extension focus on precision agriculture, cover crops, and tillage system influences on yield, net returns, soil health and sustainable production practices is needed. The incumbent will serve the educational needs in row crop agronomy of clientele in Northeast Mississippi. Northeast Mississippi has an economically important row crop industry requiring innovative and effective education and technical assistance.

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 North Mississippi Research and Extension Center (NMREC) seeks an Assistant Professor to lead the agronomic crops research and Extension program at the Northeast Branch Experiment Station in Verona, Mississippi. This 12-month tenure-track appointment (75% research, 25% Extension) will be housed at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona, Mississippi with an academic home in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University. This is a faculty position with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and Mississippi State University Extension.
The NMREC is one of four Research and Extension Centers in the MSU System. The Agronomy Unit is located on the Northeast Branch Experiment Station in Verona, MS approximately 1 hour driving time from the main MSU campus in Starkville, MS. The NMREC is one of the largest of MSU’s 16 branch experiment stations and research units located throughout the state, having a staff of approximately 50 employees, and consisting of approximately 4,500 acres.

Area of Specialization:

Row Crop Agronomy Research and Extension

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 1, 2022.

Tenure Track Status:

Yes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to conduct collaborative research with other faculty at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center and with research scientists from other locations, as appropriate, to develop an effective, nationally-recognized Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) research program. Several additional research facilities within the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center provide opportunities to expand agronomic research efforts beyond the Verona site, and numerous collaborative research opportunities exist with scientists at other MAFES research locations throughout the state. The incumbent will also develop and teach educational programs to the appropriate clientele and county Extension Agents based on national, state, and county needs assessments. These documented Program Plans will include documented curricula that can be delivered and evaluated by the successful candidate and/or county Extension Agents resulting in measured impacts.
Specifically, the successful candidate will:

1. Provide leadership to row crop agronomy research and Extension programming in Northeast Mississippi and serve as a resource to County Extension Agents.
• Develop a robust research program in row crop agronomy based on needs assessments and funding opportunities
• As a MAFES appointed faculty, the incumbent must submit a Current Research Information System (CRIS) project outlining their research effort within the first four months of employment.
• Provide strategic and operational oversight to staff on a research team
• Effectively manage agronomy unit resources at the Northeast Branch Experiment Station
• Productively contribute to the MAFES Official Variety Trials and foundation rice programs
• Ensure that row crop agronomy education is appropriately represented in the statewide Extension Plan of Work. This includes timely needs-based program planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
• Develop and implement in-service training to Extension Agents on row crop educational programs
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other faculty in implementing row crop research and educational programs

2. Provide leadership for a comprehensive row crop agronomy program serving industry in the Northeast Mississippi
• As a agronomy team member, provide row crop agronomy subject matter expertise and provide programmatic training for Extension Agents
• Develop program curriculum and serve as a resource person in all areas of row crop agronomy, emphasizing the needs of Northeast Mississippi
• Provide educational support to 4-H agronomy programming
• Perform other duties to support research and Extension programming as assigned

3. Serve as a productive research and Extension faculty member
• Participate in the Plant Systems Extension program planning team
• Secure extramural funding to support research and Extension programming in row crop agronomy
• Demonstrate scholarly activity via publication in appropriate academic journals
• Demonstrate a commitment to service through activities such as participation on department, college, and university committees and via service to appropriate professional associations
• Contribute to a collegial work environment and foster productive working relationships with scientists, Extension Agents, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders
• Build a nationally-recognized research and extension program

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Plant Science, Soil Science, or closely related discipline is required. The successful candidate will have a practical knowledge of agriculture, enabling him/her to work with public and private entities and agricultural producers in Mississippi to develop system solutions to practical agronomic crop production issues.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with a minimum of five years research and Extension experience in row crop production with a working knowledge of corn, soybean, cotton, and rice production are preferred. Candidates with experience with row crop farm management, and with professional experience effectively managing a research and Extension team are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills are required for the position.

Instructions for Applying:

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

All applicants MUST apply online at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, transcripts of all college and university work, and the names and complete contact information of three professional references.

Inquires can be emailed to Dr. Jane Parish at j.parish@msstate.edu. For more information, contact Jane Parish at 662-566-2201. A review of applications will begin May 15, 2022, however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please note that any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.

Screening Date:

April 22, 2022 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.

Company

Mississippi State University.

As a global research institution, Mississippi State University is providing limitless possibilities for students to put new technologies to work, find new ways to feed the world, plan better ways to boost the nation’s economy and prepare for the energy needs of tomorrow. 

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Representing the highest level of research activity for doctorate-granting institutions, Mississippi State University is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1-Very High Research Activity university. Also a National Science Foundation "Top 100" research university, MSU shelters a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious honor society, and values the talents of our distinguished faculty, staff and student scholars. Here, a culture of inclusion is fostered and we're driven each day to make a difference at the local, state, regional, national and global levels.

Explore what makes MSSTATE exceptional. We are positive you’ll find your place at Mississippi State in an atmosphere that welcomes all, cultivates academic excellence, and celebrates service to local communities and throughout the world..

Mississippi State values every employee. That’s why we work hard to give you and your family a benefits package and perks that will keep you thriving, happy, and healthy.

Managing both your career and your life outside of your career can be challenging. Mississippi State has resources in place to help you succeed in your career and your relationships.

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