Position Function :
The research program at the White Sand Beef Unit focuses on improving the productivity and sustainability of beef cattle systems. This includes investigating innovative nutritional and management practices that optimize beef cattle production.
The Research Associate position will support research activities at the station and assist with daily farm operations.
The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem‐solving and communication skills; the ability to work as part of a team, and the ability to manage multiple projects and activities. The successful candidate must be able to work and communicate with multiple constituents including faculty, research associates, students, vendors, contractors, visitors and other MAFES personnel. The successful candidate will function at the professional research level and will be expected to work closely with scientists in study design, layout and execution of various research projects.
Salary Grade : 13
Please see or for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile :
Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as Mississippi State University's "southern exposure". South MS Branch Station, White Sands Unit, is the headquarters of our beef cattle program.
Area of Specialization :
Beef Cattle
Anticipated Appointment Date :
November 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Assist with all aspects of beef cattle research at the MSU White Sand Unit. The examples provided are intended to demonstrate the types of duties typically associated with positions in this classification :
1. Assist faculty, staff, and students with research and / or projects.
2. Maintain inventory and records related to research and farm operations.
3. Design, perform, and / or implementation of research projects.
4. Collect, analyze, and interpret data.
5. Prepare reports, graphs, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
6. Operate farm equipment.
7. Maintain and ensure proper care in the use of equipment and supplies.
8. Support all aspects of grounds and operations maintenance.
Minimum Qualifications :
Education : degree is required in animal science or related field.
Licensures : Valid driver's license. Have or be able to obtain a Category X Pesticide Applicator Certification.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and / or experience.
Preferred Qualifications :
degree in animal science or related field is preferred. An emphasis in beef cattle management or appropriate experience is preferred. Demonstration of leadership and supervisory skills is preferred. Experiences in practices such as beef cattle management, beef cattle husbandry.
Additional Desirable Qualifications :
1. Interest in pursuing advanced educational degrees closely aligned with the scope of work.
2. Laboratory work experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
1. Ability to implement research approaches and develop protocols and methodologies.
2. Capability to design and / or coordinate research projects.
3. Knowledge of field and laboratory techniques for data analysis.
4. Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
1. Outdoor fieldwork.
2. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
3. Ability to operate heavy equipment, heavy lifting, and / or pulling objects up to 50 lbs.
4. Work in contact with herbicides and pesticides.
The position will be housed at the White Sand Beef Unit, but some duties will require working at the South MS Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville and / or the McNeill Branch Experiment Station (both are approximately 10 miles from Poplarville).
The RA may be assigned supervisory responsibilities for the technicians and intermittent workers