Position Function:

The Mississippi State University Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology is accepting applications for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Biophotonics and Conservation Physiology team as a Research Associate I. The laboratory focuses on research in animal physiology and genetics, with emphasis on biophotonics applications for non-invasive assessment of reproduction and disease in a variety of species. This position will be responsible for overseeing the Biochemistry department's Biophotonics and Conservation Physiology research laboratories, management of grant funded research projects, student and IM workers in the program, animal care, as well as research data curation, data analysis and professional dissemination and publication.

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:

The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology pursues an academic research and service mission within the traditions of Land-Grant Universities. The Department offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and currently advises approximately 500 undergraduate and 50 graduate students.

Area of Specialization:

Animal Physiology

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 2024.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct research in biophotonics imaging systems and modeling analysis for monitoring reproduction, health/disease, stress factors and diagnostics in animal systems contributing to scientific publications and grant proposals.
Conduct research on biophotonics imaging and modeling analysis in physiology, systematics, genetics and biodiversity, contributing to scientific publications and grant proposals.
Conduct metabolomics studies in research on animal systems pertaining to reproduction and disease.
Coordinate and participate in field sampling and biophotonics spectral and imaging data collections across projects.
Process samples for cryopreservation and storage using appropriate methods and techniques.
Develop biophotonics methodologies for analyzing viability of cryopreserved materials.
Conduct biochemical assays as needed for research projects.
Attend and present at professional meetings and publish peer-reviewed scientific papers, prepare scientific reports
Collaborate with partners, staff, faculty, and students on website development, training video development for procedures, data repository management of gametes and embryos, disease testing.
Collaborate with partners, staff, faculty, and students on educational programs, exhibitions, and outreach activities.
Coordinate acquisitions, and exchanges of samples with researchers and partner institutions.
Update and maintain several digital science databases and other retrieval systems.
Work with private state and federal agencies to ensure compliance with all collecting, possessing and shipping regulations and permits.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in related field.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree with thesis or PhD Degree.
Experience in -omics techniques and analysis in of large databases.
Three years relevant experience in animal care veterinary experience with agricultural or aquatic species
Working knowledge of computers, desktop and electronic publishing and modern digital imaging skills and database management.
Coursework in biology, zoology, reproduction, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, statistics, modeling, R-programming.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team.
Experience in lab management and supervision of laboratory resources, and students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of biochemical assays; e.g. ELISA and qPCR assays
Knowledge of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, statistical analysis
Knowledge of R-programing and experimental design
Experience in operation of laboratory research equipment, microscopes, ultrasound, imaging techniques, spectroscopy
Excellent organization skills and dealing with large sets of data.
Excellent computer skills such related to spreadsheets and word processing.
Experience with digitization and online databases for specimen management.
Experience with aquatic animal health, reproduction, and care
Experience supervising volunteers, interns, or student workers.
Excellent interpersonal, communications, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines.
Ability to innovate and work as a team member.
Ability to anticipate barriers to project completion; plan and manage contingencies.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Requires limited lifting of files, records, and insect drawers.
Fieldwork requires ability to drive and includes exposure to the outdoors and associated unpredictable weather.
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.Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
Travel to various events and field sites may be necessary with some overnight stays required on occasion.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Applications must be submitted through the Human Resources
Management website at https://www.jobs.msstate.edu by completing the professional
application and submitting a cover letter, resume, three references, and current dated unofficial
transcript. Any social numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. An official transcript will be required if selected for an interview.
For additional questions, please contact Swayze Hollenhead at sh1270@msstate.edu.

Screening Date:

May 27, 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 ada@hrm.msstate.edu .

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

Advertised: May 13 2024 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: