Position Function:
This Research Associate position will support horticultural research by establishing, maintaining, and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing data on plant responses to environmental conditions and nutritional qualities. The incumbent will work closely with the vegetable, fruit and nut research team to fulfill project objectives in areas such as controlled environment agriculture, organic cultivation, hydroponics, and the production and cultivar evaluation of specialty crops. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment.
Salary Grade: 13
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 Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center (CMREC), one of four Research and Extension Centers in the Mississippi State University (MSU) system, is located in Raymond, Mississippi. The CMREC oversees a team of state specialists from the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and MSU's Extension Service. The center's mission is to develop research and Extension programs tailored to the needs of the state's central and southern regions, aiming to improve the economic well-being of agricultural producers, industries, and rural and urban citizens.
The MAFES Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station is administratively associated with the CMREC and is located in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, approximately 30 minutes from the CMREC and Jackson, Mississippi. The Truck Crops Station was established in 1938 and encompasses 175 acres. Researchers at the Truck Crops Station focus on conducting variety trials and evaluating the performance of vegetables, ornamental crops, fruits, and pecans under various field, greenhouse, and high tunnel conditions. The station includes two laboratories, a shop, three greenhouses, and six high tunnels, including three dedicated to organic fruits and vegetables. The station's research and Extension programs are designed to directly benefit the state's vegetable, ornamental, fruit, and nut industries.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This position involves research and operational tasks related to vegetable, fruit, and nut production, encompassing greenhouse, indoor farming, high tunnel, and field studies. The Research Associate will contribute to the execution of research projects, data collection and analysis, and the maintenance of research operations.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Assist faculty, staff, and graduate students with research projects.
• Establish and manage specialty crop production studies, including seedling
preparation, transplanting, daily irrigation, weeding, counting, general crop
maintenance, monitoring weather stations, EC, pH, and control systems, applying
fertilizers, pesticides, and other treatments, greenhouse cleaning, and harvesting.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data from plants grown in greenhouse, indoor farming,
high tunnel, field, and laboratory settings. Ensure data integrity, quality control, and
protocol compliance.
• Maintain accurate and timely records related to research operations.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data; prepare statistical and narrative reports, graphs,
and manuscripts for scientific publication; present research findings at field days, and
other appropriate scientific events.
• Conduct most research assignments independently with general instructions on
expected outcomes; seek guidance for unusual or complex problems.
• Stay updated on relevant technologies, equipment, and systems related to plant
physiology and chemical analysis .
• Manage equipment, chemical, and supply inventory; maintain and prepare standard
operating protocols; order supplies as needed; promote workplace safety and improve
environmental practices.
• Assist in training intermittent workers, volunteers, or related personnel.
• Occasional overnight travel for data collection or sample transportation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, food science, or a related
field.
A valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree with an emphasis in agricultural science or equivalent practical knowledge in related disciplines.
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
1. Experience in greenhouse, indoor farming, high tunnel, or field work beyond the
minimum requirements.
2. Laboratory experience, particularly in chemical analysis.
3. Interest in pursuing advanced degrees closely related to the scope of work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
- Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol.
- Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
- Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
- Knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols.
- Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design.
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint , Outlook) and
statistical analysis software (R, SAS, JMP, or SPSS).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with faculty,
staff, collaborators, and the stakeholders.
- Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Ability to work in greenhouse and outdoor environments under varying weather
conditions, including extreme heat, cold, humidity, dust, and wind.
• Flexibility to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and
weekends, to accommodate occasional travel, experiment setup, harvesting, and
plant maintenance.
• Work may involve exposure to hazards such as pesticides and chemicals, which
require following basic safety precautions.
• Physical demands include heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects exceeding 50lbs.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply online: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must complete the online application. Attach a cover letter, resume, a list of three references with contact information, and unofficial transcripts. Social Security Numbers on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting them online.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Qianwen (Megan) Zhang
PO Box 231, Crystal Springs, MS 39059
Tel: 601.892.3731
Email: qz72@msstate.edu
Screening Date:
March 24, 2025, until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
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.
