Assistant Professor

Position Function:

The Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University invite applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor (50% Extension, 50% Research). The incumbent will be administratively responsible to the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute with an academic home in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. The incumbent will work in concert with faculty and staff from the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University and other departments across campus as well as other institutions. This position will serve as the Extension Irrigation and Agricultural Water Quality Specialist, in addition to the research expectations.

Salary Grade: UC

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.

Area of Specialization:

Irrigation

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally recognized Extension and research program emphasizing irrigation management and water quality in agricultural landscapes. Ideally, the scientist will utilize field observations and monitoring approaches, combined with remotely sensed data to develop and facilitate the adoption of novel row-crop production systems that improve yield and net returns while, concurrently, minimizing consumptive water use and off-site of agrochemical transport. Specialties of particular interest include: (a) design, evaluation, and implementation of tools and technologies that improve irrigation delivery and timing for row-crops common to the mid-south, including cotton, corn, soybean, rice, and peanut; (b) impacts of land-use changes and farm management strategies (e.g., tillage, cover crops, crop rotations, riparian buffers, drainage, etc.,) on water quantity and quality parameters; (c) the ability to link agricultural production practices to water quality and ecosystem function in ways that enhance management of water resources and agroecosystems in the Mid-Southern USA.
* The incumbent will work collaboratively with MSU Extension agents, University faculty/personnel, government agencies, non-government organizations, and citizen groups to advance the land grant mission of the University.
* Build an independent research and Extension program related to agricultural water management with appropriate interdisciplinary alliances that includes a robust graduate-student program
* Develop and deliver educational materials related to agricultural water management such as irrigation technologies, water conservation, irrigation scheduling, in-field and edge-of-field best-managed practices for water quality, and resilience of agricultural production systems using conventional and web-based communication technologies and supporting county-based extension programs through the professional development of County Agents and external stakeholders.
* The successful candidate will be expected to develop a national and regional research program and collaborate with regional researchers along with securing extramural funding and publish in refereed journals.
* Serve the Department, University, and professional communities through appropriate activities

Minimum Qualifications:

* Earned Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or similar field with a strong academic background in Agricultural Water Management
* Students who are ABD will be considered
* Expertise conducting applied research on irrigation management and effects of agricultural best management practices on water quality
* Commitment to an interdisciplinary team approach to research and education.
* Experience with designing, conducting, and analyzing field-based, applied research.
* Demonstrated experience in securing external funding and scholarly publication.

Instructions for Applying:

Applicants must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/. Additionally, a letter of application, personal C.V., and names/addresses/emails of at least four (4) professional references should be forwarded to: Dr. Jason Krutz. Director of Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, Box 9547, Mississippi State, MS 37962. Nominations are encouraged and should be sent to the same address.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon funding availability.

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.