Assistant / Associate Research Professor

Position Function:

The Geosystems Research Institute (GRI) at Mississippi State University is seeking a motivated Assistant/Associate Research Professor with demonstrated experience and expertise in machine learning and advanced data analytics techniques to lead applied research efforts in agriculture, conservation, and related fields. The research professor will lead funded research projects and be expected to seek new funding opportunities. The successful candidate will be involved in group, as well as lead single PI, research projects. The research professor will also be encouraged to lead innovative research in areas such as climate resilience, precision agriculture, natural resources, and conservation technology, utilizing machine learning, and geospatial intelligence applications. It is expected that the research professor will build their professional portfolio through activities such as collaborative research, publication in reputable scientific journals, and presentations at regional and national meetings. Supervisory duties are also included. This position is not open for remote or teleworking arrangements.

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.

Department Profile:

GRI is an interdisciplinary collaborative of academic scientists, engineers, and government and industry stakeholders active in conducting research to advance knowledge and practice on earth and its systems to improve policy and public awareness. All personnel at GRI have a core focus on geospatial technologies and their application to natural resource. GRI is part of MSU’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory. The majority of the GRI employees have offices in the Portera High Performance Computing Building within the Cochran Research, Technology, and Economic Development Park on the north side of the MSU main campus.
A land grant university, Mississippi State University (MSU), is among the < 3% of US universities that hold the Carnegie Foundation R1-Very High Research Activity designation. The National Science Foundation additionally ranks MSU among the nation’s Top 100 research institutions for total research and development spending. MSU has consistently received the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for institutional efforts to promote a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for collecting and processing uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and satellite data, ensuring that data meets the specific requirements of researchers working in conservation, natural resource management, and agriculture, while also advancing the integration of cutting-edge data analysis techniques in these fields.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders such as federal agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners to co-produce research with practical applications in agriculture, natural resource management, geosystems and geospatial intelligence, and climate adaptation.
• Identify, integrate, and evaluate emerging technologies, such as GeoAI, sensor networks, and cloud-based geospatial data infrastructures, to advance research scalability and impact.
• Perform interdisciplinary research with a focus on machine learning applications in agriculture and/or natural resources.
• Document project results in reports.
• Disseminate research results via conference proceedings, journal manuscripts, and other interactive and engaging media.
• Present project results to peers, program managers, and the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field; candidates with a PhD in natural resources, geography, or agricultural fields with demonstrated competency in machine learning and data analysis will also be considered.
• Extensive knowledge in machine learning and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of geospatial analysis and concepts, including but not limited to experience in processing and analyzing geospatial data from satellites, UASs, and remote sensing platforms.
• Some knowledge of agricultural processes, agricultural practices, and/or natural resources
• Demonstrated ability in developing manuscripts and presentations using Microsoft Office (MSWord and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB, and experience with high-performance computing environments.
• Ability to accomplish research independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with geospatial analysis, integration, and modeling.
• Experience in climate change modeling, environmental systems, or large-scale landscape analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of agricultural processes, agricultural practices, and/or natural resources.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding from federal agencies such as NSF, USDA, or NOAA.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research environment. Experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders and contributing to inclusive research practices.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Occasional and/or light lifting required. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., but none to the point of being disagreeable. May involve minor safety hazards where likely result would be cuts, bruises, etc.

Routine deadlines, usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressure from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Job frequently requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your transcript(s). Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.

We will accept applications only from persons with indefinite employment authorization in the U.S., and will not sponsor for nonimmigrant or immigrant status for this position.

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.