Research Associate

Position Function The appointee will assist with research activities related to plant and animal production systems and the application of precision technologies in production agriculture. 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 Agricultural and Biological Engineering has 20 on-campus faculty and several adjunct/affiliate faculty off-campus within research centers and government agencies, engaged in teaching, research, and extension. The department is co-administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Bagley College of Engineering and offers undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) degrees in three distinct program areas: Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business. Within these programs, the department has over 450 undergraduates and over 50 graduate students. The J. Charles Lee Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building, includes more than 6,000 square feet of state-of-the-art instructional and research facilities and includes separate labs for sterile tissue culture, biomechanical testing, environmental and agricultural simulation or modeling studies, electronic/robotic design fabrication and testing, fiber processing, GPS/GIS, renewable bio-energy, and student computing resources. More information about the department can be found at Anticipated Appointment Date September 2026. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The candidate will be responsible for assisting with a variety of grant-related research tasks. This will include activities such as: Establishment, implementation, and maintenance of field, housing, and laboratory research Collect, record, and summarize research data and maintain records Equipment operation, maintenance, and modification Information dissemination Supervision and training of undergraduate and graduate student labor Perform other tasks as necessary under the direction of the principal investigator Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree. Focus: Agricultural related discipline Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Preferred Qualifications An M.S. in agricultural related discipline Experience operating precision machining and manufacturing equipment Experience in design, fabrication, and repair of prototypical research equipment Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Computer literacy in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Ability to operate, maintain and modify farm equipment (tractors, combines, sprayers, planters, etc. Ability to think critically, ask questions, and work well with others A valid US driver's license UAS PARt 107 Certification or the ability to attain in the first 90 days of employment Working Conditions and Physical Effort Ocasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc. Job occasionally requires sitting, reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically. Screening Date September 2, 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, View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mississippi State University