Assistant Professor of Aquatic Biology and Limnology

The Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) and Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center (TCNWAC) of Mississippi State University (MSU) is seeking applications for a full time, 12 month tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank.  This person will be involved in 100% research with opportunities for distance teaching if interested.  The faculty member’s home department will be in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

LOCATION: This position is located in the Mississippi Delta at the Stoneville TCNWAC.  A description of DREC, TCNWAC and Department can be found here: https://drec.msstate.edu/; https://www.tcnwac.msstate.edu/; http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife

Applicant Review begins December 1, 2024, and remains open until filled.

Mississippi State University – Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center (TCNWAC), part of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, invites applications for the position of Assistant Research Professor specializing in the areas of aquatic biology, limnology, environmental/water quality in commercial aquaculture systems at the Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) in Stoneville. This is a 12-month tenure-track position that will have an on-campus academic affiliation with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (WFA). The ideal candidate should possess a robust and productive background in aquatic sciences and/or limnology with a special emphasis on water quality in managed aquaculture systems.

The successful applicant will play a pivotal role in advancing a competitive, extramurally funded research program that aligns with the expertise of our current research initiatives. Key areas of focus may include water quality management and applied ecology of channel catfish aquaculture ponds. Areas of emphasis may include management of phytoplankton community dynamics, control of environment-derived off-flavors, aeration and dissolved oxygen management, pond sediment ecology, and aquaculture effluent management. The applicant is encouraged to partner with engineering faculty to develop applied systems to improve aquaculture efficiency.

In addition to conducting innovative research, the appointed faculty member is encouraged to mentor graduate students. They are expected to take an active role in fostering collaborations with established programs at DREC and WFA. These collaborations aim to enhance ongoing projects and foster the development of new research endeavors, all contributing to the overarching mission of the Center. The successful candidate will contribute to the vibrant academic and research environment at TCNWAC, furthering the Center's commitment to excellence in aquaculture and water quality and ecology.

QUALIFICATIONS:   The ideal candidate for this faculty position at MSU should have:

• Earned a Ph.D. in aquatic sciences, aquaculture, limnology, or fisheries science with a special emphasis in water quality and ecology (all but degree’s [ABDs] will be considered).
• A background in engaging with external stakeholder groups is highly desirable.
• Applicant must be an individual who is exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and possesses a proven track record of impactful research within the realm of limnology/water quality, as evidenced by relevant publications.
• Demonstrate proficiency in various laboratory and field techniques, chemistry, ecology, appropriate quantitative analysis, and application of research to management scenarios.
• The successful candidate must exhibit a high level of collaboration and teamwork, with a documented record of securing extramural support and scholarly achievements.

Preferred qualifications include excellent written and oral communication skills, a potential to secure extramural funding, a history of publications, and a desire to mentor students. The successful candidate should be interested in establishing robust academic and research connections and be well-positioned to leverage opportunities in water quality, aquatic biology, limnology, and environmental toxicology management through collaborative efforts with various departments on and off campus, and with other organizations (USDA-ARS, other Universities, etc.).