Mississippi State University (MSU) is accepting applications and nominations for the position of Director and State Chemist for the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory (MSCL). The Director and State Chemist serves as chief scientist and administrative officer of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory. The MSCL employs about 25 professionals and support staff and is involved in regulatory and public service programs, analytical services, and assistance to citizens, businesses and research programs. The State Chemist will also have an appointment to the faculty of a department at MSU appropriate for their terminal degree and teaching responsibilities (~10% FTE) in that department. The State Chemist reports to the Vice President for Research at MSU and develops budget proposals, manages finances, and technical programs, and prepares reports for the laboratory. This lab is separately appropriated and the Director/State Chemist is expected to help secure grant and contracts.

Candidates should preferably have an earned doctorate in chemistry or biochemistry, but other disciplines may be acceptable if the individual has experience qualifying him or her otherwise. Moreover, the candidates must be eligible for appointment to a tenure-track faculty position in a department appropriate for their terminal degree. A minimum of five years of management experience in an ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory environment is preferred.

Salary will depend upon experience and qualifications. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2022. A letter of application, a current curriculum vitae, names and contact information for at least three references and other supporting materials should be sent to:

Dr. Ashli Brown/Chair, State Chemist Search

Associate Vice President, Division of Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary Medicine

P.O. Box 9800

Mississippi State, MS 39762

Telephone: (662) 325-3006

Email: ab506@msstate.edu