Position Function:
The Department of Chemistry at Mississippi State University is seeking a full-time 12-month Research Scientist to operate and maintain our mass spectrometry (MS) facility. The successful candidate will supervise the maintenance and user training for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrumentation in the Chemistry department. This includes a Bruker Q-TOF LC-MS system, an Agilent 1200 series single quadrupole LC-MS system, an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system, and several GC-MS systems. It also includes a new Q-TOF instrument to be acquired in 2024 as part of an NSF Major Research Instrumentation project. The successful candidate will also train students on basic mass spectrometry use, including a one-credit introductory class for new graduate students, as assigned. The successful candidate may be assigned to assist with managing other analytical research instrumentation based on their interests and expertise. Although an individual with a PhD in analytical or physical chemistry is highly desired, candidates with a master’s degree are also eligible to apply. Excellent organization, communication, and teamwork skills are a must.
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Department Profile:
Our Bulldog Department of Chemistry family of more than 120 dedicated and diverse personnel includes 30 faculty and staff, 90 students, and other associates hailing from more than 16 nations and 20+ states. We are a vibrant and multi-cultural leading academic unit in the College of Arts & Sciences.
In addition to serving the basic science and higher level chemistry curricula needs of nearly every major on campus including some 5000 non-majors, our department graduates an average of 18 Bachelor’s, 4 Master’s, and 10 Doctoral professionals in chemistry each year. For more information on the Department of Chemistry, please visit www.chemistry.msstate.edu
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Broadly oversee day-to-day operations of the Department of Chemistry’s Mass Spectrometry facility. This includes the operation of the instrumentation and working with users to optimize sample preparation.
2. Maintain cleanliness of the facility and other assigned instrumentation and monitor users to ensure that instruments are operated correctly and that facility rules are followed.
3. Receive samples sent to the facility from regional users and coordinate remote access/measurements.
4. Perform routine cleaning, basic repairs, and preventative maintenance on the MS systems and other instruments as assigned. For more serious repairs, coordinate on-site visits with instrument repair technicians.
5. Participate in the department’s instrumentation committee and safety committee. Identify possible instrumentation needs and safety concerns and work with the Chemistry Instrument Committee to set facility priorities and policies.
6. Participate in regular career development and workshops (including potential conference travel) to stay current on MS techniques and instrumentation.
7. Support faculty research efforts in implementing new MS methods and participate in publications and/or grant writing activities, as appropriate.
8. Monitor instrument billing and maintain a positive, supportive environment for facility users.
9. Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related area. Applicants must possess the skills needed to organize and manage assigned duties.
Rank and Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Research Scientist I:
Generally within three years after receiving Ph.D. level and with limited scientific research experience.
Research Scientist II:
Three to seven years of relevant experience beyond the Ph.D. level and with very significant professional accomplishments.
Research Scientist III:
More than seven years of relevant experience beyond the Ph.D. and with extremely significant professional accomplishments.
Senior Research Scientist:
Individuals well beyond the Ph.D. that have demonstrated outstanding sustained, and extraordinary professional accomplishments as well as professional leadership.
Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants with prior experience using mass spectrometry or, especially, with managing mass spectrometry instrumentation are particularly encouraged to apply.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Has established scientific expertise; knows and effectively uses the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures that field of specialization.
2. Ability to organize, interpret data, and derive study conclusions
3. Ability to advance state-of-the-art scientific research in field of specialization.
4. Ability to apply extensive and advanced principles, theories, and concepts.
5. Ability to contribute to the development of solutions to complex problems that require innovation and ingenuity. Project management skills
6. Excellent communication and presentation skills
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Occasional and/or light lifting required up to 10 pounds. Limited exposure to elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, etc.; none to the degree of being disagreeable. Frequent standing, walking, climbing or balancing required. Routine deadlines, 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.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically, ability to distinguish colors.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, and complete contact information for at least three professional references.
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.
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