Research Associate
- Mississippi State University
- United States, MS
- Jul 25, 2026
Job Description:
Position Function:
The primary function of this position is global wood decay index development. This includes but is not limited to geographic information systems (GIS) employment, review and understanding of wood decay factors, accumulation of international weather data including but not limited to temperature and rainfall. Additional functions include working with safety committee to ensure and improve safe operations throughout the departmental complex, supporting faculty researchers with their research needs as assigned, providing wood deterioration and protection support, providing GIS support, assisting with operations. This is a time-limited 1 year appointment.
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:
One of three departments in the College of Forest Resources, the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts activities include undergraduate/graduate instructions, research and service programs in natural resources.
Area of Specialization:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Anticipated Appointment Date:
September 1, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform targeted weather database searches, extract files, filter, and compile data. Perform scholarly/scientific library/literature searches.
Write reports. Travel intermittently to federal cooperator locations, field sites or other locations in support of research objectives. Develop GIS tools for assessing wood decay risk at locations around the globe. Record data.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Wood Science, Forest Products, Sustainable Bioproducts, or equivalent. Working knowledge of GIS software.
The level of appointment and/or rank and salary will be commensurate with the individual's qualifications, background, and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
M.S. level degree in Wood Science, Forest Products, Sustainable Bioproducts, or equivalent. Working knowledge of GIS software. Demonstrated ability to work well with people. Basic college or vocational course work in wood products, forestry, electronics, wiring, industrial technology, engineering, or similar. Mechanical inclination.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS)
Ability to communicate data in formal professional environments, in writing, and in person. Must have the ability and responsibility to carry out the work as assigned with minimal oversight. Must be able to prioritize scheduling, deal with frequent interruptions, and perform emergency consultation during the course of research. May be required to supervise student workers and provide training where necessary.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Job will mainly be performed in an office setting.
Job will secondarily require working in field settings, at federal cooperator facilities.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by attaching the following as a PDF: cover letter, CV/Resume, official transcripts of highest degree. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. Incomplete applications will be ineligible. Initial screening will begin August 10, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Video conference interviews may be requested.
NOTE: Official transcripts, with SSN redacted, of highest degree will be required upon employment.
Screening Date:
August 7, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
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 [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.
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Job Description:
Position Function:
The primary function of this position is global wood decay index development. This includes but is not limited to geographic information systems (GIS) employment, review and understanding of wood decay factors, accumulation of international weather data including but not limited to temperature and rainfall. Additional functions include working with safety committee to ensure and improve safe operations throughout the departmental complex, supporting faculty researchers with their research needs as assigned, providing wood deterioration and protection support, providing GIS support, assisting with operations. This is a time-limited 1 year appointment.
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:
One of three departments in the College of Forest Resources, the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts activities include undergraduate/graduate instructions, research and service programs in natural resources.
Area of Specialization:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Anticipated Appointment Date:
September 1, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform targeted weather database searches, extract files, filter, and compile data. Perform scholarly/scientific library/literature searches.
Write reports. Travel intermittently to federal cooperator locations, field sites or other locations in support of research objectives. Develop GIS tools for assessing wood decay risk at locations around the globe. Record data.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Wood Science, Forest Products, Sustainable Bioproducts, or equivalent. Working knowledge of GIS software.
The level of appointment and/or rank and salary will be commensurate with the individual's qualifications, background, and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
M.S. level degree in Wood Science, Forest Products, Sustainable Bioproducts, or equivalent. Working knowledge of GIS software. Demonstrated ability to work well with people. Basic college or vocational course work in wood products, forestry, electronics, wiring, industrial technology, engineering, or similar. Mechanical inclination.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS)
Ability to communicate data in formal professional environments, in writing, and in person. Must have the ability and responsibility to carry out the work as assigned with minimal oversight. Must be able to prioritize scheduling, deal with frequent interruptions, and perform emergency consultation during the course of research. May be required to supervise student workers and provide training where necessary.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Job will mainly be performed in an office setting.
Job will secondarily require working in field settings, at federal cooperator facilities.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by attaching the following as a PDF: cover letter, CV/Resume, official transcripts of highest degree. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. Incomplete applications will be ineligible. Initial screening will begin August 10, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Video conference interviews may be requested.
NOTE: Official transcripts, with SSN redacted, of highest degree will be required upon employment.
Screening Date:
August 7, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
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 [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.
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