Research Associate

MSU Field Researcher and Liaison to Audubon Delta

Selected applicant will be the lead MSU field researcher and liaison to Audubon Delta with primary responsibilities of wrapping up final milestones of a 5-year project. Primary tasks include analyzing band and movement data, among other datasets such as accelerometers, as well as assisting with any remaining trapping and tracking of Least Terns and Black Skimmers along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Southeastern U.S. hosts some of the greatest biodiversity in North America including numerous endangered and threatened species. Mississippi is characterized by diverse terrains including broadleaf forests, oak savannas, prairie grasslands, temperate pine forests and delta wetlands, along with abundant waterways. These rich landscapes provide habitat for hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. White-tailed deer are the number one game species in the Southeast, and account for about $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state. Mississippi is home to 11 national wildlife refuges, 6 national forests, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Scenic Trail, multiple national monuments, military parks, battlefields, several US Army Corps of Engineer reservoirs. 25 state parks, the Mississippi River, and 53 Wildlife Management areas. Mississippi State University is ranked as one of the top research institutions in the United States. The Carnegie Institute has designated MSU as an "R1 - very high research activity" doctoral granting institution. The National Science Foundation has MSU as ranked No. 12 nationally in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation research expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 43-member faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. We are home to the Mississippi USGS Coop Unit of scientists, the Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict, the USDA Wildlife Services National Training Academy and three endowed faculty chairs. The department has a highly collegial and interdisciplinary group of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and Research and Extension Associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science in the nation. Annually, the department faculty bring in $15-20 million in extramural funding. As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 320+ 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 mentors over 100 graduate students across a variety of programs, with high job placement following receipt of a graduate degree.

Area of Specialization: Seabird Tracking

Anticipated Appointment Date: May 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Leading final tasks of a 5-year research project

2. Analyzing band and movement data of tracked beach-nesting birds

3. Assisting with field sampling efforts as time permits

4. Publication development

5. Communicating with project team members and stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. degree in wildlife ecology, natural resources, or closely related field. Valid U.S. driver's license. Rank and salary will be commensurate with the education and/or experience of the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. in wildlife ecology, natural resources, or closely related field. Demonstrated experience or capabilities regarding animal movement analyses including accelerometer data, designing and managing field research projects, creative thinking, publication development, and/or effective communication among multiple stakeholder groups.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Applicants should be self-motivated, fit well within a multidisciplinary team environment, and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Travel may be frequent during sampling periods, with overnight stays. ~75% of year: No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility. During field season (~25% of year): Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable. Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor. Job frequently requires sitting, talking, hearing. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.

Instructions for Applying:

Interested applicants must apply online by submitting a cover letter, vitae, statement of research interests with emphasis on how this opportunity aligns with career goals and interests, copy of your transcripts (unofficial is acceptable for screening; official transcripts required to extend an offer), and the complete contact information for three references. Social security numbers should be redacted prior to submission. For additional information, please e-mail Dr. Ray Iglay at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Missed calls appreciate detailed voicemails. The position is slated to begin summer 2026, but start date is negotiable.

Screening Date: May 8, 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.

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: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.