Research Associate

Position Function:

The successful candidate must be able to perform in laboratory and field activities, both independently and in team setting. Analyze data collected from GPS transmitters, data mining and management and working with large, publicly-available datasets. Activities require strong quantitative skills using various programs (statistical and GIS), as well as, experience handling, tagging, and sampling large birds of prey, especially Black and Turkey Vultures. Position requires travel for team meetings and to present findings to various audiences.

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:

Mississippi State University is a top-ranked research institution and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) has a strong applied focus in wildlife conservation and management. The department is well-known for its highly collegial and interdisciplinary faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and extension associates. Our 300 undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also houses 60 graduate students across a variety of programs. For additional information see extension.msstate.edu/natural- resources/wildlife and www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife

Area of Specialization:

Avian and Landscape Ecologies

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate must be able to perform in laboratory and field activities, both independently and in team setting. Analyze data collected from GPS transmitters, data mining and management and working with large, publicly-available datasets. Activities require strong quantitative skills using various programs (statistical and GIS), as well as, experience handling, tagging, and sampling large birds of prey, especially Black and Turkey Vultures. Position requires travel for team meetings and to present findings to various audiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources with focus on Wildlife Ecology

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong skills with GIS and working knowledge of raptor research and management techniques, spatial ecology, and trophic ecology. This skillset should include experience in catching, banding, measuring, and GPS-tagging a variety of raptor species, including larger owls and hawks. Experience working in catching and handling vultures is strongly preferred. Must also have some understanding and experience with urban planning, ecosystem management, agricultural production, and human-wildlife conflict. Experience in using GIS to identify land-use and integrate current contemporary weather/climate data into species distribution data preferred. Motivated individual capable of operating independently; organizational and multi-tasking skills a must, be willing to work in a team environment. Preference will be given to highly motivated individuals who have strong work ethic, data analysis skills, and can interact comfortably with a diverse suite of individuals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Need excellent written and oral communication skills to be able to communicate verbally and through written material with other team members, scientists, private landowners, and state and federal actors.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

The candidate must be capable of working in adverse conditions (heat, mud, water), driving long distances in single day (=/- 350 miles), and lifting heavy equipment (50 lbs.). Must also be able to tolerate the smell and sights associated with baiting for and handling scavengers.

Instructions for Applying:

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

All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by completing the professional application and submitting a resume and cover letter.

Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants may contact Dr. Scott Rush [[email protected]] with any questions prior to application submission.

Screening Date:

January 3, 2025, 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.