Assistant Extension Professor

Position Function:

The Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute invite applicants to a 12-month, Assistant Extension Professor faculty position in the area of water science and management. We are specifically looking for candidates with expertise in drinking water and wastewater management (public or private), public health engineering, and watershed science/management. Candidates with strengths in research and communication are preferred. Applicants should be able to articulate a prospective research program that has promise for sustainable external funding and regional/national recognition. The faculty member will be administratively responsible to the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute with a joint appointment in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department or Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. The faculty member will work in concert with faculty and staff from their home department at Mississippi State University and other departments across campus as well as other institutions.

Salary Grade: UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Located on the campus of Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute administers and coordinates research and outreach programs dealing with water and related resources. It is one of the state institutes authorized by Section 104 of The Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Its activities are developed in close consultation and collaboration between the Institute and leading water resources officials within the state.

The program's purpose is to provide a coordinated research and development program that contributes to the solution of water and water-related land use problems in Mississippi, the region, and the nation.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 1, 2024

Tenure Track Status:

Non-Tenure Track

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:
1. Develop a regional/national research program utilizing the current Extension efforts with the department.
2. Procure extramural funding for projects related to drinking water and/or wastewater use and treatment.
3. Communicate results to relevant policy makers and stakeholders
4. Publish in leading peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned in Agriculture, Public Policy, Engineering, or closely related field.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

No

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with public water and/or wastewater systems, private drinking water wells, home septic systems, decentralized wastewater systems, and other technical, managerial, and financial components of wastewater and drinking water systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
2. Demonstrated publication experience.
3. Demonstrated ability of organizational and leadership skills are important as well as the willingness to address issues in a team environment.
4. Significant knowledge of scientific and research methodologies.
5. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
6. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
7. Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
8. Demonstrated ability to manage/coordinate multiple detailed tasks.
9. Independent self-starter with strong work ethic.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent externally imposed deadlines set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Some travel may be required.