Assistant Professor

Position Function

The Department of Plant of Plant and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking applicants for an Assistant Extension Professor – Soybean Agronomist. This is a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment with a potential starting date of January 1, 2025. The primary purpose of this position will be to lead the soybean outreach activities for producers and other stakeholders in Mississippi. The incumbent will work in concert with faculty and staff from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences as well as other Departments/Units as part of a multidisciplinary team. The overarching goal of this team is to develop training for extension agents and to strengthen the overall Extension program by providing technology transfer and facilitating adoption of best management practices within Mississippi. In addition, the individual will be expected to develop and sustain an extramurally funded outreach program in collaboration with other Mississippi State University Extension and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) researchers to enhance soybean production and management in Mississippi. The individual will work closely with commodity organizations such as the Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board, the Bureau of Plant Industry, the Mississippi Agricultural Consultants Association, the Mississippi Agricultural Industry Council, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, and Delta Council.

Salary Grade: UC

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

Department Profile

Plant and Soil Sciences is a comprehensive department with 32 on – and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by 32 support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agronomy, horticulture and environmental science in agricultural systems, and has approximately 116 undergraduate students in agronomy; 36 in horticulture; and 11 in environmental science in agricultural systems. The department offers master's and doctoral programs, with 57 students currently majoring in either agronomy, horticulture, or weed science. The teaching, research, extension and service programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and trained personnel. The department holds two endowed chairs and faculty are nationally prominent, with 4 Fellows in national/international societies. Agronomic and horticultural industries are significant contributors to Mississippi’s agricultural economy (combined value of $8.75 billion with 13 million acres under management). The department is committed to enhancing its statewide, national and international reputation for excellence. More information about the department can be found at http://www.pss.msstate.edu/.

Area Of Specialization

Soybean Agronomy

Anticipated Appointment Date

January 1, 2025.

Tenure Track Status

Tenure Track.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The goal of this position is to develop and deliver best management practice information on soybean production systems within Mississippi and enhance technology transfer to soybean growers and other clientele across the state. The successful candidate will work closely with producers, consultants, industry, and other Extension personnel in identifying and assessing production limitations and developing strategies to improve profitability and reduce risk associated with soybean production systems. Other duties include oversight of on-farm variety testing program. Regional and multi-state collaboration on Extension efforts and research projects is expected as well as the ability to garner extramural funding to support outreach efforts. Instructional responsibilities include active participation in supervising and training graduate students and presentation of guest lectures. Outreach responsibilities include contributing to leadership of the Row Crop Short Course as well as summarization, publishing (refereed and non-refereed), and presentation of results to growers, consultants, extension agents, and other colleagues. Service to the department, college, university as well as professional societies is expected.

Minimum Qualifications

Earned Ph.D. in agronomy or closely related field (ABD’s will be considered). A strong row crop background and familiarity with modern agricultural production practices is preferred. Knowledge of soybean production is very desirable. Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability of organizational and leadership skills are important, as well as the willingness to address critical issues in a team environment. A demonstrated ability to publish in refereed journals and attract grants and contracts for supporting Extension activities is desirable.

ABDs Or Degree Pending Considered (all But DISS)

Yes.

Instructions For Applying

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

Upload a cover letter, current resume, and list of three professional references.

Screening Date

September 1, 2024, 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 ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

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