Research Associate I

Position Function:

This position focuses on the collection and utilization of data derived from laboratory and field settings to assess vegetation and water quality management issues in natural areas. The Research Associate is expected to engage and work individually or as part of a team with other scientists, stakeholders, and students. The role of the Research Associate will be to assist with grant writing, data collection and analysis related to research efforts, and assist with data dissemination. This position has funding for 2 years.

Salary Grade: 13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Department Profile:

Established in 2000, the Geosystems Research Institute is a collaborative of academic scientists, engineers, and government and industry stakeholders active in conducting research to advance knowledge and practice in earth and it's systems to improve policy and public awareness. The Geosystems Research Institute's approach to research provides an avenue for Mississippi State University to build strong relationships with local, regional, and national agencies and businesses to do work aimed at solving some of today's most pressing environmental issues. In helping carry out Mississippi State University's mission of service and outreach, the Geosystems Research Institute offers a variety of educational opportunities and services to assist researchers, state and federal entities, and the public in utilizing geospatial technologies and data.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Work as part of an interdisciplinary team or individually to collect water quality and vegetation data in natural areas
2. Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
3. Applies an analytical approach to the solution of a wide variety of problems or applies specialized techniques or ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems.
4. Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
5. Participate in oral and written communications, as needed, to interface with the participating scientists and/or stakeholders to obtain clarity in requirements and data dissemination
6. Participate in proposal development
7. Disseminate research results via various venues, including conference presentations, conference publications, webinars, and archival journal articles
8. Other duties as assigned

The above essential duties are representative of major duties of positions in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Beginning with a B.S degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Management, or related fields.
A professional employee with a B.S. and demonstrated competence
can begin work at the Research Associate I level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Aquaculture, Fisheries Management, or related fields
• An understanding of GIS systems, uses, and data collection procedures
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work individually or collaboratively in a team environment
• Experience within the aquatic plant management field
• Experience with basic Microsoft software
• Experience towing trailers and boats
• Experience operating automobiles and boats

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Work well in a collaborative team environment or individually
• Be willing to work in a range of environmental conditions
• Desire to work with a range of datasets and diverse applications (wetland, aquatic, and/or marine environments)
• Strong interpersonal, communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No unusual physical requirements.
• Will require travel to field sites.
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, lifting, handling objects with hands.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Apply online by submitting a cover letter and resume.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

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 [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or [email protected]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.