Natural Resources Job Board

The Burgess Lab in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University is seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to investigate avian community composition in response to ecological light pollution across a rapidly developing landscape. This project will compare the responses of migratory species (e.g., Prothonotary Warbler and Purple Martin) and resident species (e.g., Carolina Wren) to fine-scale variation in ecological light pollution along a rural-to-urban gradient. The research will provide critical insight into how urbanization and light pollution influence avian community structure, nesting behavior, and species persistence, particularly Prothonotary warblers (Protonotaria citrea),  in cityscapes. This position also comes with the opportunity to engage in local public education and outreach.

This position is on the MSU campus, located in Starkville, Mississippi.  A description of the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture can be found at http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife 

STARTING DATE: Summer 2026

REVIEW BEGINS: April 2026

Salary: $20,000/year stipend + tuition waver and health benefits

LAB WEBSITE:  https://www.mlburgess.org/

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

QUALIFICATIONS:   

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

APPLY: Applications should be submitted electronically to Dr. Burgess at the address below. GRE scores are not required. Please email a single pdf containing the following information:

 

1.      Cover letter addressing educational background, skills, research experience, and career goals

2.      Curriculum vitae 

3.      Unofficial transcript

4.      Contact information for at least 3 references

 

Dr. Murry Burgess

Assistant Professor

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Mississippi State, MS 39762

mlb1016@msstate.edu

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.

Accommodations: In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), 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: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.