Mississippi State University (MSU), located in Mississippi State, Mississippi, is a premier public land-grant research university offering a diverse array of career opportunities. As an R1 Doctoral University with very high research activity, MSU attracts professionals seeking impactful roles in education, research, and administration. Jobs at Mississippi State University span faculty positions, research roles, staff jobs, and executive leadership, all contributing to its mission of advancing knowledge and public service since its founding in 1878.
The university employs over 5,000 staff and faculty, supporting more than 22,000 students across 17 colleges, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Bagley College of Engineering, and College of Veterinary Medicine. Whether you're interested in higher ed faculty jobs or administrative positions, MSU provides a dynamic environment in the heart of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) region.
Established on February 28, 1878, as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi, MSU was one of the first public universities in the state dedicated to practical education in agriculture and engineering. A land-grant university means it was created under the Morrill Act to offer accessible higher education in practical fields, receiving federal support for land and programs. Over the decades, it evolved into a comprehensive research institution, achieving Carnegie R1 status in 2016. Key milestones include the establishment of its veterinary college in 1974 and expansion of research funding to over $250 million annually by 2023. This rich history shapes jobs at Mississippi State University, emphasizing innovation and community engagement.
MSU's 180+ undergraduate and 80+ graduate programs create demand for specialized professionals. Popular fields include engineering (over 4,000 students), agriculture, business, and architecture. Jobs at Mississippi State University include tenure-track professors, adjunct instructors, lecturers, and research faculty. For a full list of position types, explore university job types.
Current openings often feature lecturer jobs and professor jobs, with opportunities in research assistant jobs.
To secure jobs at Mississippi State University, candidates typically need advanced degrees. Tenure-track faculty positions require a PhD or terminal degree in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) for vet school roles. Lecturer positions may accept a master's degree with significant teaching experience. Administrative roles like department chairs often demand a PhD plus 10+ years of leadership. Research postdocs need a recent PhD and proven publication record. These qualifications ensure candidates can contribute to MSU's high research standards.
MSU's research priorities include sustainable agriculture, cybersecurity, bioengineering, and climate resilience. Expertise in high-performance computing is valued at the High Performance Computing Collaboratory. Roles in the Starkville-based Supercomputing Research Center require skills in AI and data science. Faculty in the College of Forest Resources focus on forestry and wildlife science. Jobs emphasize interdisciplinary work, with funding from NSF, USDA, and NASA.
Employers at Mississippi State University prefer candidates with peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professors), grant funding experience (e.g., NIH or NSF awards), and teaching portfolios. Administrative candidates should have 5-10 years in higher ed management. Postdocs benefit from postdoctoral fellowships or industry collaborations. Experience with diverse student populations and online teaching tools like Canvas is highly regarded.
Key skills for jobs at Mississippi State University include strong communication, grant writing, data analysis, and mentoring. Technical competencies vary by field: programming in Python/R for researchers, leadership for admins. Soft skills like adaptability and collaboration are crucial in MSU's team-oriented environment. Proficiency in tools like MATLAB or ArcGIS is common for engineering and agriculture roles.
The application process for jobs at Mississippi State University begins on the official careers site (jobs.msstate.edu). Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and three references. Tips include customizing your materials to MSU's land-grant mission, highlighting SEC athletics involvement if relevant, and networking at conferences like those hosted by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Use our free cover letter template. Interviews often involve teaching demos and research presentations. Follow up promptly and prepare for Mississippi's cultural context, emphasizing community service.
Mississippi State University is committed to diversity through the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, which runs the Inclusive Leaders Academy and supports affinity groups like the Black Faculty and Staff Organization. The university's Diversity Plan aims for 20% underrepresented minority faculty by 2025. Programs like Search Committee Training promote equitable hiring, and MSU participates in the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC). These initiatives make MSU welcoming for jobs across demographics.
Work-life balance at Mississippi State University is supported by flexible schedules, 24/7 gym access at the Templeton Athletic Center, and family-friendly policies like parental leave. Campus life in Mississippi State, MS, blends Southern hospitality with modern amenities: 300+ student organizations, Dudy Noble Field for baseball, and thejunction for tailgating. Employees enjoy tuition waivers for dependents, EAP counseling, and proximity to Starkville's dining scene. The 4,200-acre campus fosters a close-knit community, ideal for long-term careers.
Land-grant university: A U.S. institution funded by federal land grants to provide education in agriculture, science, and engineering to the public.
R1 university: Carnegie Classification for doctoral universities with very high research activity, indicating substantial research expenditures and doctorates awarded.
Tenure-track: Academic positions leading to tenure after a probationary period, offering job security based on performance in teaching, research, and service.
With competitive salaries, robust benefits, and a supportive environment, jobs at Mississippi State University offer professional growth. Connect with opportunities in higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, or explore university jobs. Employers can post a job to attract top talent.
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