Extension/Research Associate

Position Function

This is a full-time Extension Research Associate position that will provide technical and managerial assistance in daily operations and long-term planning of the Peanut Extension program. The overall objectives of this position are to assist the program in providing knowledge to the peanut stakeholders of Mississippi, develop new scientific knowledge to the peanut scientific community, and assisting student employees/graduate students.

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

Mississippi State is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 33 on- and 14 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art, newly renovated laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant and Soil Sciences with Master's and Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy and, Horticulture.

Area of Specialization

Peanut

Anticipated Appointment Date

November 1, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage field research/demonstration plots at multiple locations across the state. This includes the operation and hauling of farm equipment, data collection, and crop management.
2. Supervision of student employees and assisting graduate students with field research projects.
3. Monitoring/purchasing of agronomic and research supplies. Seasonal farm equipment and vehicle maintenance.
4. Assisting with field days, grower meetings, and other activities, which may include public speaking.
5. Present research at scientific conferences.
6. Data analysis to prepare scientific and commodity board reports.
7. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education/experience of the candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience operating farm machinery.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational and leadership skills are also imperative.The applicant must possess strong leadership, organization, and communication skills. The applicant must be capable of completing detail oriented task and deliver high quality work. Motivation to learn and continue professional development is necessary

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Exposure to educational and agricultural conditions. Lifting, sitting, standing, squatting, etc. will be required. Exposure to chemicals, dust, heat, and cold. Additional exposures may be encountered in a lab setting.

Instructions for Applying

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

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu

1. Resume or curriculum vitae.
2. Brief cover letter (1-page) outlining your qualifications and position interest.
3. College transcripts. Any social security numbers on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
4. Names and contact information of three professional references.

Screening Date

October 15, 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 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.