Position Function:
The Delta Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to lead research projects evaluating the impacts of intensive agriculture on honey bee health and to support currently funded projects.
Position is for two years with the possibility of annual extension depending on performance and availability of funds.
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:
This position is located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.
Area of Specialization:
Pollinator Health in Intensive Agricultural Landscape
Anticipated Appointment Date:
June 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities include but are not limited to leading the research projects and conducting field and laboratory research on honey bee health. The incumbent will also have the freedom to conduct his or her own research if it falls within the scope of the lab research theme. The ideal candidate needs to be self-motivated, comfortable working with live honey bees in both field and laboratory settings, and demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills along with a great work ethic. The ability to present research findings at scientific and extension meetings is essential. Candidate must possess molecular laboratory skills to analyze the collected samples including RNA/DNA extraction and virus detection and be proficient in applying statistical methods to analyze data. The fellow will be expected to prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals and contribute to extension publications. The position requires a proactive and independent researcher conducting professional level research and contributing to the lab’s educational programs. The successful applicant should be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively with team members, cross-disciplinary researchers, and beekeepers.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in Biology, Entomology or similar field is required at the time of appointment.
- A valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by the start date of the position.
The desired start date is June 2025, but flexibility is possible for suitable candidates. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications:
-The candidate should have experience in Next Generation Sequencing, and toxicology.
-The candidate should be comfortable working with live bees (honey bees or wild bees) in both laboratory and field settings.
-Possess advanced beekeeping techniques, including queen rearing, and queen insemination is preferable but not necessary.
-Demonstrate previous research experience in pollinator health and specifically honey bees.
-Proficiency in molecular laboratory techniques and statistical data analysis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Attention to detail and excellent record keeping.
- Self-motivated individual who can take direction but does not require direction.
- Able to work in a collaborative environment on team-based research.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Good dexterity as well as hand and eye coordination. The selected individual needs to be comfortable working with live bees. Physical strength and endurance are needed to perform strenuous outdoor work under hot, sunny field conditions.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and upload 1) one page of cover letter that addresses your experiences and goals with respect to this position as well as how you meet the required and desired qualifications 2) Curriculum Vitae, 3) contact information of three professional references, and 4) unofficial transcripts (Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.)
Contact for additional information:
Dr. Esmaeil Amiri
Mississippi State University
Delta Research and Extension Center
PO Box 197
Stoneville, MS 38776
ea795@msstate.edu
Office: 662-686-3215
Screening Date:
May 16, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
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.
