Assistant Professor

Position Function:

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences (PSS) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with and Extension (75%)/Research (25%) appointment in turf management. This position will be a 12-month tenure track appointment with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.

Turf students earn a degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in Golf and Sports Turf management. The MSU Golf and Sports Turf Management program was one of the first turf management teaching programs established in the Southeast and is nationally regarded among the best undergraduate teaching programs with over 400 graduates, many of whom are prominent turf managers. Current enrollment is 28 undergraduates and 5 graduate students. Within PSS, the "turf team" consists of two full-time, tenure-track faculty, two research associates, and a full-time technician. In addition, other faculty and staff (entomologist, weed scientists, golf course superintendent, sports turf manager, diagnostic labs, etc.) are directly involved and are integral parts of the turf program. On-campus research facilities include over 6 acres of maintained turf, including more than 1/2 acre of sand-based construction. In addition, the university golf course and athletic fields provide part-time employment and learning experiences for students. Visit the Plant and Soil Sciences website at: https://www.pss.msstate.edu

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:

Mississippi State is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 33 on- and 14 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art, newly renovated laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant and Soil Sciences with Master's and Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture or Weed Science.

Area of Specialization:

Turfgrass Management.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

January 1, 2027.

Tenure Track Status:

Yes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The goal of this position is to develop a nationally recognized Extension and Research program in applied turf management. This position provides a statewide Extension leadership in turfgrass management for Mississippi. The incumbent is responsible for providing leadership in the planning, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of applied research-based educational programs and will provide technical support to Extension personnel, turfgrass industry professionals, governmental and institutional managers, and other stakeholders throughout the state. Primary responsibilities include developing and conducting Extension programs, workshop, short courses, field days, demonstrations, and other educational activities; providing training and technical support to county Extension agents; responding to stakeholder needs and emerging turfgrass management issues; and developing Extension publications, digital resources, and other educational materials. The successful candidate will also contribute to the departmental undergraduate and graduate programs by mentoring and advising students. The incumbent will establish and conduct applied research and demonstration trials that support Extension recommendations and address practical turfgrass management needs related to turfgrass varieties, fertilization, weed control, and pest management systems suited to local climates. The position will work closely with university faculty, Extension personnel, industry representatives, professional organizations, and other partners to identify priorities and develop responsive programming to solve local, state, and regional turf challenges. The position will also support the operation and upkeep of turfgrass research and demonstration facilities, including coordinating maintenance activities, preparing research and demonstration areas, supporting field days and educational events, and stewarding equipment and infrastructure associated with the program. Additional responsibilities include developing external funding and industry support for Extension and applied research activities, evaluating and documenting program impacts, and representing Mississippi State University Extension at state, regional, and national professional and industry meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

Earned Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, or a related biological science field with demonstrated specialization in turfgrass science or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher learning is required. Applicants who are "ABD" (All but Dissertation) will be considered. Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills to engage diverse public and private groups. Demonstrated ability of organization and leadership skills are important as well as the willingness to address issues in a team environment.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred qualifications include a strong background in turf production practices and the application of new technologies. Leveraging competitive extramural funding from industry or government agencies will be required for balancing applied field research with visible stakeholder benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills to engage diverse public and private groups. Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills are important, as well as the willingness to address issues in a team environment.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Exposure to educational and agricultural conditions. Lifting, sitting, standing, squatting, etc. will be required. Exposure to chemicals, dust, heat, and cold. Additional exposures may be encountered in a lab setting.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/ Applicants must submit an application online and include a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and names and contact information for three professional references using the MSUJobs system available at https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu/. Any social numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Applicants should submit any questions to:

Dr. Rocky Lemus at Rocky.Lemus@msstate.edu

Screening Date:

November 19, 2026, until filled.

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.