Research Associate

Position Function:

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University is seeking to hire a research associate position to support marine health research at the MSU Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab, under the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security. The research associate position will be located in Gautier, Mississippi with periodic trips to Starkville, Mississippi.

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.

Area of Specialization:

Marine Animal Health Research

Anticipated Appointment Date:

December 2024.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The research associate will work on funded research projects to support marine animal and ocean health. This research will involve genomic epidemiology and include virome/microbiome, genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Research will involve environmental and marine animal sample collection and analyses.

Minimum Qualifications:

A BS in animal science, biochemistry, biology, bioinformatics, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, veterinary science, virology, or related discipline is required. A MS degree in epidemiology, virology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or related fields demonstrating expertise in aquatic animal health is desirable. Training or experience in marine animal health, cell culture, molecular diagnostics and/or genomics (qPCR, genome assembly, transcriptome analysis, or phylogenomics) or high-performance computing (shell programming, python programming, or artificial intelligence), and writing scientific publications are preferred. Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team of scientists is desirable.

1.Beginning with a bachelor's degree:
a. A professional employee with a bachelor's degree and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate I level.
b. 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.
c. To begin at the Research Associate III level, one must have a bachelor's degree and a
minimum of 6 years of relevant experience and the equivalent of a master's degree.

2. Beginning with a master's degree:
a. A professional employee with a master's degree and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience and demonstrated competency can begin work at the Research Associate II
level.
b. To begin at the Research Associate III level, one must have a master's degree and a
minimum of 3 years of experience.
c. To begin at the Senior Research Associate level, one must have a master's degree and a
minimum of 6 years of experience.

3. Beginning with a doctoral degree:
a. A professional employee with a doctoral degree with 2 years of relevant experience and
demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate III level.
b. To begin at the Senior Research Associate level, one must have a doctoral
degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Rank and Salary will be commensurate with education and experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Has established scientific expertise; knows and effectively uses the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures that field of specialization.

Ability to organize, interpret data, and derive study conclusions.

Able to write reports at the college level.

Computer literate and experienced with word processing, database, and statistical applications.

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.

Generally, routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor. This research involves live animals that require 24/7 care and must be observed 3 times a day. Depending on the sampling schedule, working at night and/or weekends may be required.

Job frequently requires standing, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 10 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/

Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Please include cover letter and resume along with names and addresses of at least three references.

Screening Date:

December 3, 2024, until filled.

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.