Research Associate

Position Function:

This position is through the Mississippi State University Quantitative Ecology & Spatial Technologies (QuEST) Laboratory and the Geosystems Research Institute (GRI). The successful candidate will be primarily advised by Dr. Melanie Boudreau at Mississippi State University, although work will be conducted with a diverse team in collaboration with USDA-ARS scientists. The research associate will work closely with co-investigators and other personnel on research related to ungulate movement as a function of chronic wasting disease status.

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:

Mississippi State University is a top-ranked research institution and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) has a strong applied focus in wildlife conservation and management. The department is well-known for its highly collegial and interdisciplinary faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and extension associates. Our 300 undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also houses 60 graduate students across a variety of programs. For additional information see extension.msstate.edu/natural- resources/wildlife and www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife

Area of Specialization:

Movement Ecology

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Given the large amount of data, the candidate must have the capability to conduct work in common programming environments (R or Python). As part of our diverse team, the position will require strong interpersonal communication and coordination skills, the ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, professionals and students, and the ability to work and think independently. The position will also require strong writing skills for report and publication development. As data is already available, this position will be filled as soon as an acceptable candidate is identified. The applicant has the option of working remotely if necessary.

• In particular, the researcher will be tasked with examining ungulate movement as a function of CWD status
• Working with stakeholders to complete the identified project objective
• Participate in oral and written communications as needed to interface with participating scientists and stakeholders
• Disseminate knowledge at conferences and meetings

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s in ecology, biology, natural resource management, or related field. The level of appointment and/or rank and salary will be commensurate with the individual's qualifications, background and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Capability to conduct work in common programming environments (R or Python)
  • Some background in spatial ecology or animal movement
  • Demonstrated experience in quantitative ecology and computer programming
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a trans-disciplinary team comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal communication and coordination skills, the ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, professionals and students, and the ability to work and think independently. The position will also require strong writing skills for report and publication development.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

This position may be eligible for remote work, with administrative approval.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three references. Applicants must complete an application through the MSU HRM website.
Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants may contact Dr. Melanie Boudreau [work@tuhustle.com] with any questions prior to application submission.

Screening Date:

December 20, 2025, 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 (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 work@tuhustle.com.

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