Position Function:
This 12-month, tenure-track position has a 100% Extension appointment located at the Coastal Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Biloxi, MS, with an academic home in the School of Human Sciences. The Assistant Professor will develop a research-based Extension program in coastal resilience science and risk communication, emphasizing applied science that supports coastal communities, resource management, and hazard planning (e.g., storm surge, changing precipitation). The successful candidate will translate observations, research, and data into accessible tools for stakeholders across the northern Gulf Coast and beyond. This includes partnering with local, regional, and national entities to design, implement, and evaluate programs that transfer knowledge and skills to planners, managers, and other decision-makers. Extension efforts may include trainings, workshops, print materials, websites, and social media, with the goal of enhancing community and agency understanding and integration of coastal resilience and risk science. The Assistant Professor will align Extension programming with applied research and collaborate with researchers to ensure mutual benefit. Collaboration may include direct participation in research, coordinating stakeholder input, or helping other Extension staff integrate resilience concepts. The position requires formal and informal evaluation to assess effectiveness in promoting behavior change. The Assistant Professor will initiate new efforts, expand existing programs, share results through Extension networks, and engage with resilience efforts at local, regional, and national levels. The successful candidate is also encouraged to mentor graduate students and serve on graduate committees within the School of Human Sciences.
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 Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as the coastal arm of Mississippi State University’s Extension and Applied Research Programs. This position is based in Biloxi, MS at the Coastal Research and Extension Center.
Area of Specialization:
Community Resilience, Coastal Resilience Science Education and Coastal Resilience Leadership
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 2025.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Professor will be responsible for utilizing formal and informal methods to assess effectiveness of programs, adapting the program based on observations, and transferring the knowledge gained to the broader Human Science/Extension community. Documenting and developing novel approaches, methods/pedagogy of knowledge transfer, instruction, and communication will be expected. The Assistant Professor will be responsible for independently seeking additional funding to support establishment of new programs and expansion of current programs; communicating lessons learned, best practices, and relevant products through local, regional, and national Extension networks; and engage in ongoing coastal resilience science Extension work related work in the northern Gulf coast and beyond.
Acceptable candidates must have outstanding English verbal and written communication skills and the assessment techniques required to develop and deliver an Extension program and fulfill job responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
A PhD in coastal resilience science, marine science, environmental science, social science, or closely related fields. A minimum of five years’ experience working with coastal end-users to integrate best available data and science into decision-making. The ability to successfully obtain and manage extramural funding. Extension, outreach, and project management experience. Facilitation and risk communication training and experience along with the ability to manage projects and partnerships across large geographies through use of technology. Experience working with at risk communities to address chronic risk issues stemming from coastal resilience challenges. Familiar with northern Gulf coast ecosystems, organizations, and agencies. Experience integrating coastal observing and monitoring, and other data into decision-making while leveraging current best practices and social science research on coastal resilience science communication. Experience in evaluating development, dissemination, and adoption of coastal resilience tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience leading a coastal resilience science Extension program with demonstrated success. Willingness to address coastal resilience science related issues as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team. Demonstrated record of extramural funding. Ability to manage projects and partnerships across large geographies through use of technology. Experience working with at risk communities to address chronic risk issues stemming from coastal resilience challenges. Familiar with northern Gulf coast ecosystems, organizations, and agencies. Experience integrating coastal observing and monitoring, and other data into decision-making while leveraging current best practices and social science research on coastal resilience science communication.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The individual should be self-motivated, fit well in a multidisciplinary team environment, and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to publish scholarly publications and pee-reviewed journal articles. Ability to develop and maintain diverse and robust partnerships.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This position is based in Biloxi, MS with local, regional, national, and international travel to other locations as needed. Valid driver's license.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by completing the online application and submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research, copy of transcripts, and three references. Social security numbers on transcripts should be redacted prior to submission. For questions, please contact James E. Henderson at jeh149@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
July 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.
