Assistant / Associate Research Professor

Assistant / Associate Research Professor

• 511002
• Main Campus - Starkville, MS
• Mississippi - Main Campus
• 191000 - Geosystems Research Institute
• Faculty
• Full-Time 12-Month
• Opening on: Jul 31 2026

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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 geospatial modeling, machine learning and advanced data analytics techniques to lead applied research efforts in geospatial and environmental epidemiology with particular focus on animal production systems, and related fields. The research professor will lead funded research projects and be expected to seek new funding opportunities. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team of professionals at Mississippi State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Geospatial and Environmental Epidemiology Research Unit (GEERU) to develop advanced spatially-explicit computational models of infectious disease evolution, transmission, and persistence with particular emphasis on diseases that impact agricultural infrastructure and pose a biosecurity threat to human populations in the U.S. and beyond. 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:

Established in 2000, the Geosystems Research Institute is a collaborative of academic scientists, engineers, and government and industry stakeholders active in conducting research to advance knowledge and practice in earth and it''s systems to improve policy and public awareness. The Geosystems Research Institute''s approach to research provides an avenue for Mississippi State University to build strong relationships with local, regional, and national agencies and businesses to do work aimed at solving some of today''s most pressing environmental issues. In helping carry out Mississippi State University''s mission of service and outreach, the Geosystems Research Institute offers a variety of educational opportunities and services to assist researchers, state and federal entities, and the public in utilizing geospatial technologies and data.

Area of Specialization:

Geospatial and Environmental Epidemiological Modeling

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for work across a variety of data types and research objectives in development of robust computational models that explore and predict patterns of disease transmission, while also advancing the integration of cutting-edge data analysis techniques in these fields. Duties may include but are not limited to development of models of pathogen transmission across space and time, integration of molecular genotypic and phenotypic data with geospatial data, integration of epidemiolocal data into climate niche modeling, development of bioinformatic models, and other related modeling efforts;
• Perform interdisciplinary research with a focus on advanced machine learning applications in geo-epi domains. The candidate will be responsible for developing operational workflows, data curation and pipelines that include the use of high-performance computing;
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, especially scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service to co-produce research with practical applications at the intersection of geosystems, agrisystems, and animal disease transmission;
• Participate in the preparation of technical reports, briefings, and presentations that demonstrate results to sponsors and stakeholders;
• Disseminate research results via conference proceedings, journal manuscripts, and other interactive and engaging media;
• Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate student researchers in various research labs.
• Participate in service opportunities at the departmental and university-level.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in geospatial science, computer engineering, computer science, biological or agricultural engineering, epidemiology, bioinformatics, computational modeling, or a closely related field;
• Knowledge geospatial modeling in advanced computing environments with potential for application in geo-epi and animal production domains;
• Applicants must have excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability in developing manuscripts and presentations using Microsoft Office (MSWord and PowerPoint);
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or other related software programs;
• Ability to accomplish research independently;
• Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams;
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with modeling and predicting patterns of infectious diseases in animals, with emphasis on disease risk in production systems is preferred;
• Experience with high performance computing in a parallel coding environment is also preferred;
• Experience working with project teams comprised of individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives; and demonstrated evidence of implementation of these concepts in previous employment is preferred. Demonstrated success in securing extramural research funding.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The position will require strong geospatial analysis, epidemiological and/or computational modeling skills, strong interpersonal communication 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 require some travel to meetings and conferences within U.S. The position will be primarily computational. The position will require minimal or no work in field conditions or strenuous activities.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Applications must include: 1) cover letter, 2) Curriculum Vitae, 3) contact information for three professional references, 4) academic transcripts, and 5) statement of research philosophy. Applicants must complete an application through the MSU HRM website.

Application review will begin September 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants may contact Dr. Kristine Evans [kristine.evans@msstate.edu] with any questions prior to application submission.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

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.

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