Position Function:
This is a 12- month, tenure track position with a 65% Extension and 35% MAFES research appointment with Mississippi State University located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS, with an academic home in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in Starkville, MS. The function of the successful candidate will be to provide agronomic educational assistance to producers and conduct research on cropping systems for agronomic crops in the Mississippi Delta Region with an emphasis on rice production. The successful candidate will work in unison with other state Extension specialists and county Extension agents to strengthen the overall Extension program by facilitating technology transfer and adoption of best management practices within the Mississippi Delta. In addition, the individual will be expected to collaborate with other Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and Mississippi State University Extension Service (MSU-ES) scientists to ensure research and Extension based programs are focused on the needs of stakeholders. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a strong multi-disciplinary team addressing prevalent issues in crop production systems. The successful candidate will work closely with commodity organizations such as the Mississippi Rice Promotion Board, the Mississippi Rice Council, and the USA Rice Federation. The successful candidate will be expected to foster and maintain good working relationships with state agencies such as, but not limited to, the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and organizations such as the Mississippi Agricultural Consultants Association, Mississippi Agricultural Industry Council, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, and Delta Council.
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 Assistant/Associate/Full Professor position will be located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.
Area of Specialization:
Agronomic Crops- Rice Specialist
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2024.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The goal of this position is to evaluate current field issues, enhance educational opportunities for the Delta region clientele, and develop a comprehensive Extension and research program focusing on agronomic aspects of rice production. The successful candidate will work closely with producers, consultants, industry representatives, state Extension specialists, county Extension agents, researchers, and other related parties to identify and assess agronomic issues and develop strategies to improve profitability and reduce risk associated with rice and other complimentary crop production systems. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in other research activities in collaboration with current MAFES and MSU-ES scientists. The successful candidate will be expected to garner extramural funding to support outreach and applied research efforts, and present updates and results in appropriate scholarly publications. A demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research findings and troubleshoot problems with growers and consultants is desired. Considerable local and regional in-state travel will be required to adequately fulfill the position requirements.
Minimum Qualifications:
1) Earned Ph. D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Weed Science or closely related field (ABDs will be considered).
2) Demonstrated ability of organizational and leadership skills are important, as well as the willingness to address critical issues in a team environment.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
A strong row-crop background and familiarity with modern agricultural production practices is preferred.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Application must be submitted online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu. Applicants should submit the following documents: i) curriculum vitae (including statement of current position and responsibilities); ii) academic transcripts; iii) cover letter expressing a statement of research philosophy and applicant’s research interests and qualifications; and iv) three letters of reference either online or hard copies to:
Dr. Jason Bond, Delta Research and Extension Center, P.O. Box 197, 82 Stoneville Road, Stoneville, MS 38776.
jbond@drec.msstate.edu
Any social security numbers on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Screening Date:
April 25, 2024, 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 (ADA), 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.
