Position Function:
The Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) at Mississippi State University is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to spearhead the analysis and interpretation of marine environmental DNA (eDNA) datasets in collaboration with NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, FL. This position will focus on two projects: 1) investigating the influence of Florida Bay water chemistry and microbial communities on the health of Florida Keys coral reefs, and 2) exploring seasonal to interannual variability of a deep-sea sediment metabarcoding time series and its relation to environmental dynamics andBiological Carbon Pump (BCP) function in the northern Gulf of America. The successful candidate will analyze extensive 16S and 18S rRNA metabarcoding datasets, integrate them with oceanographic, biogeochemical, and satellite data, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. This work will leverage high-performance computing (HPC) resources at MSU and NOAA. This position is based at the NOAA/AOML facility in Miami, Florida; remote applicants will be considered.
Salary Grade: 15
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 Northern Gulf Institute (NGI) is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Institute comprised of six academic institutions that are geographically distributed across the U.S. Gulf Coast states. The six NGI member institutions are Mississippi State University (lead), the University of Southern Mississippi, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. Together with NOAA and in support of their strategic plan, NGI conducts research on interconnections among Gulf of Mexico environments, habitats, resources, and people and engages in outreach to help others learn about and make decisions based on these interconnections.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
● Analyze 16S and 18S rRNA metabarcoding data from Florida Bay and the Gulf of America seawater and sediment samples using HPC resources.
● Integrate eDNA data with physical, chemical, bio-optical, and satellite oceanographic datasets (e.g., pH, temperature, salinity, nutrients, particle backscattering, satellite-derived seascapes).
● Develop biophysical models to trace water mass connectivity and understand the influence of Florida Bay on downstream reef ecosystems.
● Characterize biological communities associated with the Biological Carbon Pump to quantify links between microbial taxa and particulate organic carbon (POC) flux.
● Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to interpret findings, prepare manuscripts for publication, and present results at scientific conferences.
● Support the development of training materials and community outreach initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications:
The level of appointment (Research Scientist I or II) will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.
● A Ph.D. in marine science, bioinformatics, oceanography, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
● Research Scientist I: Ph.D. with limited post-doctoral research experience (generally within three years of receiving the degree).
● Research Scientist II: Ph.D. with three to seven years of relevant post-doctoral experience and a strong record of professional accomplishments.
● Experience in environmental DNA (eDNA) research, particularly within marine or aquatic ecosystems.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Strong publication record including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
● Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor junior researchers and staff.
● Proficient with programming languages for bioinformatics and data analysis (e.g., Python, R, Bash).
● Knowledge of pelagic and/or benthic marine ecosystems.
● Experience in outreach and science communication to non-technical audiences.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
● Ability to combine multi-sensor satellite data with other complex datasets, such as eDNA genomic data and in situ environmental measurements, to analyze ecosystem dynamics.
● Strong skills in the statistical analysis of large, multivariate environmental and biological datasets.
● Familiarity with large-scale eDNA/microbiome datasets (e.g., ASV and taxonomy tables).
● Proficiency with data science programming (Python and/or R), the Unix command line, and computational workflows.
● Proficient in utilizing satellite data and ocean color data for environmental applications.
● Experienced in developing and applying machine learning models, such as deep convolutional neural networks and random forest models, for environmental analysis and/or image classification.
● Experience leading cross-disciplinary teams and mentoring students and other scientists.
● Skilled in presenting research findings to a variety of audiences and through international scientific meetings and public seminars.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.
Routine deadlines, usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.
Job frequently requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Apply online at jobs.msstate.edu
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.
