Research Associate II

Position Function

Under general supervision, employs a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in a particular field of specialization to plan, coordinate, and conduct research.

This position will function as an avian research ecologist as part of a dynamic multi-disciplinary team of academic and government scientists, and natural resource managers to provide data critical to the successful management of Black and Yellow Rails and Mottled Ducks across the northern Gulf of Mexico region. Outstanding candidates with excellent academic record and research interest/expertise in the following areas are invited to apply: Avian Ecology, Wildlife Ecology, Wetland Ecology, and/or Conservation Biology.

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

Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as Mississippi State University's southern exposure.

Area Of Specialization

Avian Ecology & Wildlife Conservation

Anticipated Appointment Date

December 2022.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modification of standard scientific techniques.
• 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.
• Demonstrates and applies thorough understanding of scientific methods, research protocols, assessment instruments, and data interpretation.
• Designs, performs, and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups.
• Independently performs most research assignments with instructions as to the general results expected; receives guidance on unusual or complex problems.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• 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.
• The Research Associate II will work with faculty, research scientists, staff and students from Mississippi State University, as well as over 10 other universities, nonprofits and natural resource agencies to coordinate field research and associated activities for coastal Mississippi and Alabama as part of a multi-state five year project studying the impacts of prescribed fire on high marsh habitats in relation to Mottled Ducks and Yellow and Black Rails. Duties associated with this job will include hiring, training, and daily supervision of intermittent worker, coordinating/conducting marsh bird and vegetation surveys across coastal Mississippi and Alabama, the capturing and banding Yellow and Black Rails, and coordinating/conducting data entry. Other relevant duties and opportunities include assisting with presentation preparation, attending and presenting results at professional scientific conferences, assisting with preparing, writing, and co-authoring reports, public education articles, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related discipline and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and the equivalent of a master s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

A BSc. degree (plus three year s experience) or MSc. Degree (plus one year s experience) in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, and/or Wetland Ecology or a closely related field. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and participate in large field-based projects.

It is preferred the candidate has a background in avian or wetland ecology. We also prefer a demonstrated ability to (1) effectively coordinate field technicians to significantly contribute to a large field-based research project; (2) write summaries for reports and peer-reviewed publications; (3) have demonstrated success working closely with management agencies on applied questions in wildlife conservation. Further preferred skills include experience deploying autonomous recording units (ARUs) and managing audio files, Microsoft Access, ArcGIS, R, scientific writing, and a working knowledge of current social media platforms. Additional professional development opportunities will include report writing, scientific presentation preparation, public speaking, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and publication of peer-reviewed articles.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

The individual should be self-motivated, able to work independently with little direct daily supervision, work well in a multidisciplinary team environment, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

There is an expectation the successful candidate will participate in field work during the summer (early mornings) and winter (evening surveys) but will include stretches of office-based work. Some overnight travel will be required annually to conduct surveys in the five Gulf Coast states (FL, AL, MS, LA, TX) and participate in annual project meetings.

Instructions For Applying

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

Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, vitae, copy of your transcripts (with SSN redacted), and contact information for three references. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Mark Woodrey ([email protected]).

Screening Date

November 21, 2022 until filled.

Restricted Clause

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), 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 [email protected] .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or [email protected] . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.