Postdoctoral Associate (L,P,S)

Position Function:

The Plant Stress Physiology Lab at the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, invites applications for a postdoctoral position from individuals demonstrating self-motivation and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team. The successful candidate will collaborate with a diverse team and utilize advanced physiological and omics methodologies to investigate the effects of stress on soil and plant health. This role involves taking a leadership position in integrating soil-plant stress physiology to identify genes and microbiomes associated with stress tolerance in grain crops. Responsibilities will include the design and execution of experiments utilizing growth chambers, greenhouses, and field facilities. This position requires strong expertise in high-throughput phenotyping, genomics, and skills for effective analysis of large datasets.

Salary Grade: UC

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:

Plant and Soil Sciences is a comprehensive department with 32 on – and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by 32 support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agronomy, horticulture and environmental science in agricultural systems, and has approximately 116 undergraduate students in agronomy; 36 in horticulture; and 11 in environmental science in agricultural systems. The department offers master's and doctoral programs, with 57 students currently majoring in either agronomy, horticulture, or weed science. The teaching, research, extension and service programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and trained personnel. The department holds two endowed chairs and faculty are nationally prominent, with 4 Fellows in national/international societies. Agronomic and horticultural industries are significant contributors to Mississippi’s agricultural economy (combined value of $8.75 billion with 13 million acres under management). The department is committed to enhancing its statewide, national and

Anticipated Appointment Date:

March 15, 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Design and conduct stress physiology experiments in the growth chamber, greenhouse, and field conditions.

· Develop soil and plant proxies for stress tolerance to meet research needs.

· Maintain smooth conduct of experiment(s) by troubleshooting and fostering a productive teamwork environment.

· Actively contribute to preparing reports, presentations, and drafting manuscripts for publication, as well as assisting other researchers.

· Present research results at scientific meetings and symposiums

· Perform other duties as assigned to meet team requirements and work closely with other team members.

· Take part in professional development events at Mississippi State University

Minimum Qualifications:

· Ph.D. in plant sciences, agronomy, genomics, or a closely related agriculture field.

· Experience with the field, greenhouse, and growth chambers work.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Proven publication track record in advanced omics in grain crops.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team or collaborative environment.

· Demonstrated leadership or interpersonal skills are essential.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Have a strong background in grain crop agronomy, gene/trait discovery, and big data analysis.

· Proven publication record and experience supervising or overseeing the research work.

· Ability to balance quality and productivity.

· Knowledge of stress physiology and genomics.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Experience with big data processing and interpretation.

· A strong field crops research background and familiarity with physiology and breeding/genetics.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Exposure to extreme heat and cold.

Instructions for Applying:

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

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

Upload a cover letter, current resume, transcripts (with SSN# redacted), and list of three professional references.

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.