Position Function:
Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate to join our organization to advance collaboration with the 1890 Land Grant system. This position will be located on the MSU campus in Lloyd-Ricks-Watson Building.
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 Southern Rural Development Center seeks to strengthen the capacity of the region's 30 land-grant institutions to address critical contemporary rural development issues impacting the well-being of people and communities in the rural South. More information is available at : http.srdc.msstate.edu
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 1, 2023.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Work alongside the SRDC to:
• Provide guidance on existing and new project development to ensure relevant 1890 interests, needs, and assets are brought to the efforts
• Contribute to relevant research reports to educate community partners, stakeholders, and policymakers on the unique DEIA perspectives
• Assist in developing and delivering training on relevant educational/Extension materials on topics relevant to SRDC’s Plan of Work
• Identify opportunities for mentoring and teaching college students from 1890 universities with interest in creating change in the Southern Region
• Actively participate in the SRDC’s Board and TOAC calls (3 quarterly calls each plus one face-to-face meeting annually)
• Help to plan and coordinate the SRDC annual TOAC and Board meeting
• Support coordination, growth, direction, and development of the SRDC’s Plan of Work
• Enhance the capacity of 1890 research and Extension faculty and future leaders through professional training and experiences
• Increase collaboration among diverse Southern Region Land-Grant University partners (1890/1994/1862) on rural development issues
• Build stronger collaboration between the SRDC and 1890 institutions in advancing the SRDC Board and Technical Operations & Advisory Committee (TOAC) approved Plan of Work
• Guide diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) actions within the SRDC’s Plan of Work
Minimum Qualifications:
• Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, JD) in the social sciences (e.g., sociology, economics, community development), public policy and administration, law, or a closely related discipline
• Prior experience with an 1890 Land-Grant University in a student and/or staff/faculty position
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with direct public service or community development preferred
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams to respond to identified stakeholder needs
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong writing, research, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and in diverse teams
• Strong sense of self-motivation and entrepreneurial mindset in helping shape new approaches to addressing longstanding DEIA challenges in rural communities
• Demonstrated leadership in bringing together diverse stakeholders (preferred)
• Relevant academic or professional experience, including interest in or experience with economic development, community development, rural communities, or other area specific to the SRDC’s Plan of Work
• Interest in or knowledge of the Southern Region preferred
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
This will be a one-year post-doctoral fellow position with the Southern Rural Development, with the potential for one-year renewal based on performance and availability of funding. The Fellow will be a staff person with salary and benefits through Mississippi State University
• Curriculum vitae, including relevant degrees and supplemental education and training, work experience, publications, Extension/outreach curricula, grants, and extracurricular activities
• Personal statement (500 words maximum) about the applicant’s relevant experience, interest, and suitability for the SRDC 1890 Post-Doctoral Fellow position, as well as future aspirations
• Two recommendation letters, with at least one from research or Extension-related leader
• Unofficial transcripts with social security numbers redacted
• Materials should be attached to the application online
Screening Date:
April 13, 2023 until filled.
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.
