Date of posting here March 01, 2010 Type of position Graduate Assistantship. Employer Mississippi State University Description of Employer Mississippi State University is a land-grant university with the largest university system in the state. It is also recognized as a Carnegie Research University (high research activity). Location Starkville, MS Description of Location The Starkville community is located in northeast Mississippi. The area provides all the intellectual, cultural, and recreational advantages of a large urban setting in a more cohesive town-university community. Salary $16,000 / $18,000 (MS/PhD) Benefits Tution waived... insurance available. Closing date of competition Until suitable candidate is found Date position available Spring / Summer 2010 Description of duties Funding provided by a Specialty Crop Research Initiative with an emphasis on multi-disciplinary, multi-state collaboration. Field and/or greenhouse studies will focus on timing of herbicide applications in relation to sweetpotato root initiation as a function of environment and cultural practice. Laboratory experiments will characterize herbicide translocation and partitioning in the sweetpotato plant. The successful candidate will; Communicate with academia, state and federal agencies, industry, growers, and consultants. Prepare a research proposal for thesis or dissertation. Conduct field, greenhouse and laboratory research according to proposed objectives. Collect, analyze, and interpret results in reports, presentations, and publications. Outline curriculum and research timetables to meet deadlines and commitments. Qualifications sought Candidate must hold a BS, or preferred MS degree in a plant science discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Be willing to travel and conduct research during summer months. Display excellent work ethic and personal integrity. Proficient in the English language (written and oral). Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse group of people. Display the motivation and desire to understand dynamic bio-chemical interactions relative to plant growth through scientific research. Contact for additional information Mark W. Shankle... shankle@ra.msstate.edu Application procedure   Submit what Submit a letter of interest describing career goals and research interests, transcipt of records, resume, and three letters of reference. Submit to Electronic documentation preferred... Dr. Mark Shankle Mississippi State University Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch 8320 Hwy 15 South Pontotoc, MS 38863 e-mail: shankle@ra.msstate.edu Additional Information Mississippi State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer