Research Associate

Position Function:

The research program at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center focuses on developing sustainable vegetable management strategies for the Mississippi and Southeast regional industries. This research associate position is 100% funded through the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. The incumbent is expected to work closely with principal investigators to satisfy the goals and expectations of funded projects. Areas of emphases are nutrient management, disease and pest management, vegetable physiology, greenhouse and growth chamber technologies, sustainable vegetable production systems, and laboratory instrumentation.

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:

This position is at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, Verona, MS and housed in the Horticulture Unit. This 511-acre research facility is a premier information source for the Mississippi vegetable industry and contributes research results throughout the world. Resources include office and staff, four greenhouses, two wet and dry labs, and analytical and plant physiological instrumentation. The experiment station is located near Tupelo, MS a major business hub. Additionally, the experiment station is strategically located near up and coming small and commercial vegetable production and is in constant communication with innovative growers and other scientists across the United States.

Area of Specialization:

Horticulture (Vegetable Crops)

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 2026. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Research and laboratory tasks related to soil nutrient management, environmental stress physiology, plant hormone physiology, precision irrigation and sensor technologies, controlled environments, greenhouse hydroponics, and evaluating management practices to develop a decision support system.
Duties and responsibilities will also include:
1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
2. Applies an analytical approach to the solution of a wide variety of problems or applies specialized techniques or ingenuity in selecting and evaluating approaches to unforeseen or novel problems.
3. Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
4. Designs, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
5. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups.
6. Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems.
7. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; prioritizes good resource stewardship in use of workplace property, equipment and supplies.
8. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
9. May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
10. Proactively contributes to a culture of work safety; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices; follows appropriate safety protocols; seeks out and obtains appropriate job-relevant safety trainings.
11. Works as a productive and collaborative member of a research team; ensures good communication with other team members; communicates effectively and in a timely manner with supervisor.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences (plant biology