Associate or Full Professor & Director

Company Description Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as the coastal arm of the university’s Extension and agricultural research programs. The position is based at the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with additional facility resources available through the Experimental Seafood Processing Laboratory in Pascagoula. The position is administratively associated with the Coastal Research and Extension Center and has an academic home in the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion. Role Description Mississippi State University invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track Associate or Full Professor and Director of the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Program. This is a 100% research appointment through the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. The Director will manage an analytical aquatic foods safety testing laboratory and develop an externally competitive, grant-funded research program focused on improving the safety, processing, storage and utilization of aquatic foods. Areas of study may include shellfish, catfish and other economically important marine species. Responsibilities include providing programmatic leadership and research direction to faculty and scientists; overseeing laboratory facilities supporting research and industry services; pursuing external funding from agencies such as NOAA, USDA, NSF and NIH; and publishing findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. The Director will collaborate with MSU researchers, government agencies, regional universities and industry partners. The position will also build relationships with seafood, catfish and food-processing stakeholders to identify and address challenges facing aquatic food processors. Opportunities include supporting graduate education and serving as chair or member of graduate student committees. Qualifications Required: Earned doctorate in food science, food chemistry, food and process engineering, food microbiology, food toxicology or a closely related fieldExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to plan experiments and analyze data using statistical methodsAbility to work effectively within a multidisciplinary teamPreferred: Extensive experience in food science or food-products manufacturing research, particularly involving aquatic foodsStrong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed scientific journalsResearch and grant-writing experience resulting in federal fundingDemonstrated ability to assemble and lead faculty and scientific teams in developing successful research proposalsExperience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students in laboratory researchLocation: Ocean Springs, MississippiAnticipated appointment date: January 1, 2027Application screening begins October 1, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. Apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, copy of college transcripts (any SSNs should be redacted), and contact information for a minimum of three references. https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/jobs/associate-or-full-professor-director-jackson-county-mississippi-united-states look