Position Function:
The John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at Mississippi State University is seeking a Research Associate II with a specialization in human resources management and associated practices in local and state entities. The Research Associate will conduct applied research and policy analysis in the areas of human resources management, salary and compensation studies, and public administration. This position is designed for an individual with strong analytical skills, a background in HR and organizational practices, and experience working with public policy issues at the state or local level. The Research Associate will contribute to research design, data collection, analysis, and the development of policy briefs and reports for government agencies, nonprofits, and other stakeholders.
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 John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development (Stennis Institute) is a public service, training, and applied research unit at Mississippi State University, with its main office located on the Starkville, MS campus. The Stennis Institute performs a threefold mission: (1) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Mississippi state and local governments through basic and applied research, training, technical assistance, service, and community/economic development activities; (2) to provide technical assistance and research for both rural development in Mississippi and regional activities in the Southeast; and (3) to promote civic education and citizen involvement in the political process. The Stennis Institute has a presence in several locations across the state and is a leader in public service executive training and local government research and outreach.
Area of Specialization:
Human Resource Management
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate should have experience in human resources management literature and practice at the local and/or state level, with experience in conducting policy research and/or applied practical projects. Additionally, the successful candidate will have a working knowledge of pay and compensation structures within local and state entities, with a history of successful project delivery.
The following examples are intended as illustrations of only some of the various types of duties assigned to positions allocated in this classification. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
Conduct applied research on human resources management best practices, compensation studies, and related workforce issues.
Design and implement salary surveys, job classification analyses, and compensation benchmarking projects.
Analyze policies, regulations, and trends affecting HR practices and public administration.
Prepare written reports, policy briefs, and presentations for decision-makers, practitioners, and the public.
Collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, and academic partners on workforce and public policy initiatives.
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities, including grants and contracts, to support HR and policy-related research.
Present findings at conferences, workshops, and meetings with professional associations and stakeholders.
Support the development of training materials, workshops, or technical assistance sessions related to HR best practices and public sector workforce issues.
Effectively utilize the talents of other staff and available local resources for successful program delivery.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Industrial/Organizational Psychology:
To begin at the Research Associate II level, one must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
Beginning with a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Industrial/Organizational Psychology:
A professional employee with a master’s degree and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate II level.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Doctorate in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, or Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
• Master’s Degree and at least 1 year of professional experience in HR management, compensation and pay studies, and/or applied public policy research.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and survey design.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings in accessible ways.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local policies affecting public sector human resources.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience conducting large-scale salary and compensation studies.
• Knowledge of classification systems and job evaluation methodologies.
• Grant writing and sponsored project development experience.
• Ability to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
• Five years professional experience actively engaged in working with local communities.
• Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata, or similar) and data visualization tools is preferred.
• Experience with professional writing and editing
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Must be highly motivated, politically neutral, and must inspire trust throughout the university, as well as in dealing with community leadership, citizens, agency officials, and other external interests.
• Skill in writing technical information, program reports, policy briefs, and research reports.
• Skill in planning and controlling complex assignments.
• Skill in public speaking and making effective oral and written presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships addressing complex challenges.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This is a full-time benefitted position with a primary duty station at the Mississippi State University campus in Starkville. This position reports to the Executive Director. As a benefitted MSU employee, this position is eligible to take up to 6 credit hours of courses for free per semester and could use this benefit to obtain a graduate degree (pending supervisor approval and admission into a graduate program). Travel to various locations throughout the state will be required, at times. Limited physical effort (basic office operations) required. No direct exposure to physical risk.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and three references.
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.
