About the role
Position Function
To assist with the research work involved in establishing, maintaining, and conducting horticulture studies, collecting and analyzing data, and processing samples from experiments. The individual will be part of a research team for a horticulture research station. The person will be expected to work independently and in cooperation with faculty, staff, and field labor. The applicant is also expected to perform work assignments outlined by the research professor.
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 Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center (CMREC) is one of four Research and Extension Centers in the MSU System and located in Raymond, MS. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) - Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station is administratively associated with the CMREC and located in Crystal Springs, MS. The station's primary mission is to conduct research to benefit the Mississippi vegetable, ornamental, fruit, and/or nut industries.
Anticipated Appointment Date
November 1, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These duties include:
- Following research protocols, planning and implementing field experiments, and harvesting/recording data in the field, greenhouse, and lab setting data
- Planting, fertilizing, scouting for plant problems, cross-pollinating, propagating with cuttings and tissue culture, spraying, weeding, weighing, counting, cataloging, measuring, and harvesting
- Growing and maintaining quality plant material in the field, greenhouse, and lab setting
- Greenhouse production, including scheduling, monitoring the control system, and checking pH and EC levels etc.
- Safely handling, mixing, and applying pesticides and fertilizers
- Meticulous record keeping
- Data recording and entry into computer spreadsheets
- Data analysis and technical writing
- Assisting with field days, sales, and other activities on the experiment station as needed
- Updating the trial garden website
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree
Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in Horticulture or related field with a minimum of 3 years experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Time management and organization skills required
Knowledge of data analysis and experimental design preferred
Fundamental knowledge of plant biology and genetics preferred
Proficiency with computer programs, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and initiative to learn new computer programs as needed
Ability to conduct experiments within a laboratory, including proper pipette use and ability to follow written protocols preferred
Ability to maintain lab sanitation by practicing proper disinfection and disposal procedures for tissue and cultural waste
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Willingness and ability to work in an outdoor garden environment are essential.
Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to and often over 50 pounds. Physical work is a large portion of the job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Instructions for Applying
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online at msujobs.msstate.edu. Letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged. A cover letter, resume, and educational transcripts will be required. When submitting documents and transcripts, applicants should redact (mark out) their Social Security Number (SSN) anywhere it appears before creating the PDF and uploading it. Do not mark or alter your transcript other than redacting the SSN.
Please contact Dr. Shaun Broderick at (601) 647-1341 for additional information.
Screening Date
September 29, 2026, until filled.
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.