Position Function:
Mississippi State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level to start in the fall of 2026. Candidates with research interests in the area of mass spectrometry-based proteomics are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will contribute to the NanoBio Immunoengineering Consortium (NIEC) at MSU. NIEC is a multi-institutional effort in Mississippi supported by the NSF E-RISE RII program. This program focuses on biomolecular interactions with novel nano- and biomaterials, and the successful candidate may be housed in the Department of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or both. The successful candidate will have a strong record of research excellence and will be expected to develop an independent, externally funded research program. They will also contribute to graduate and undergraduate education through effective and engaging teaching in their discipline. Candidates with experience in technology development and commercialization will receive special consideration. Application review will begin on November 1 and will continue until the position is filled.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is classified as an R1 institution, indicating very high research activity and doctoral degree production. The participating departments represent significant research activity at the institution, generating several recent NIH R15, R35, and R01 awards, NSF CAREER awards, and competitive USDA, DOD, and DOE funding. Cross-college collaborations are available between the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In addition, the NIEC Program encourages collaboration between biomaterials scientists, polymer chemists, and materials scientists throughout the state. The NIEC is also supported by a corresponding NSF E-CORE grant, which aims to build research infrastructure throughout the state. Recent infrastructure improvements include a cryo-EM at the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as an 800 MHz NMR and an ultra-high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer at MSU. Available institutional resources include mass spectrometry facilities found in Chemistry and the Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing, and Biotechnology (IGBB), fluorescence and electron microscopy found in the Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies (I2AT), NMR and X-ray crystallography facilities, AAALAC-accredited animal facilities, and the High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPCC).
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2026
Tenure Track Status:
Tenure-Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. The successful candidate will establish a strong, multi-disciplinary, independent research program. This includes pursuing and obtaining independent research funding through federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners. The candidate will recruit and mentor Ph.D. level graduate students, publish research in peer-reviewed journals, and participate in professional conferences to disseminate their research results.
2. The successful candidate will participate in NIEC activities and join the active community of NIEC researchers, collaborating to develop new proteomics strategies for understanding material interactions.
3. The successful candidate will teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels related to their expertise as assigned by the department.
4. The successful candidate will pursue continuing professional development and remain active in their research community.
5. The successful candidate will serve as an active member of appropriate professional societies and will provide leadership and service to their Department, College, and University.
6. The successful candidate will adhere to the University's safety requirements, including chemical and biosafety. They will follow best practices in the responsible conduct of research, and they will likewise train graduate and undergraduate researchers on how to perform research in a relevant laboratory setting.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related field, as well as at least one year of postdoctoral training. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in research and a strong record or clear potential for outstanding teaching and student mentorship.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred qualifications include a demonstrated ability to collaborate on experimental quantitative proteomics and a strong interest in advancing technology development in biological mass spectrometry. Candidates with a proven track record of interdisciplinary teamwork will be prioritized. Prior success in teaching, research, or service at a U.S. academic institution, national or defense laboratory, or in private industry is also considered a strength.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proven experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including both experimentation and data analysis, and a willingness to collaborate with NIEC researchers.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This position requires work in both classroom and laboratory environments. The successful candidate must be able to handle chemicals safely, operate scientific instrumentation (including mass spectrometers), and work with standard laboratory equipment. Duties may involve standing for extended periods, performing repetitive motions, and occasionally lifting materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The role also requires adherence to laboratory safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with institutional safety and training requirements. Some evening or weekend hours may be necessary for research or teaching activities.
Instructions for Applying:
Applicants must apply online and include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae (CV), a 3-5-page summary of research plans, and a 1-2-page statement of teaching philosophy and interests. In addition, applicants include in their CV the contact information for three individuals to serve as references.
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.
