Assistant Professor of Animal Science

Position Information

Working Title Assistant Professor of Animal Science Job Title Assistant Professor Job Type Full-Time Department School of Agriculture Job Purpose

Tennessee Technological University invites energetic applicants to develop an innovative instructional, research and outreach program in beef cattle grazing and forage management. Depending on degree and/or interest, this position can be either a 9-month tenure track appointment with approximately 50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% outreach responsibilities, or a 9-month non-tenure clinical-track appointment with approximately 60% teaching, 20% service, and 20% outreach. The successful candidate will be responsible for oversight of livestock operations at Oakley Farm, a 1200-acre cattle farm in Livingston, TN. Successful candidates will be expected to develop and maintain close- working relationships with animal industry stakeholders, mentor students, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in grazing management and other courses related to their area of expertise in the School of Agriculture. For the tenure-track appointment, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing an independent research program via generation of extramural research funds and participating in interdisciplinary research activities. The clinical-track appointment will provide herd management services and expose students to professional expertise in the large animal veterinary field. Additionally, this position contains an outreach component by which the candidate will disseminate pertinent information to livestock producers by various communication methods. The School of Agriculture has access to more than 500 head of beef cows, 50 ewes, and almost 1000 acres of pasture and hay land available for use when the Oakley and Shipley Farms are combined. These resources provide an excellent opportunity to develop a teaching, research, and service program that is comparable and competitive with any university program in the Southeastern United States. Tennessee Tech provides impact through its engaged students, dedicated faculty, and career-ready graduates known for their creativity, tenacity, and analytical approach to problem solving. As a STEM-infused, comprehensive institution, Tennessee Tech delivers enduring education, impactful research, and collaborative service that creates, advances, and applies knowledge to expand opportunity and economic competitiveness.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Essential Functions

Nine-month tenure-track or non-tenure (clinical) position with emphasis in beef cattle. Manage approximately 300 beef cows and provide oversight of pasture management and hay production. The tenure-track appointment will develop a research program in beef cattle production and grazing management; participate in the graduate program providing a Ph.D. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Agriculture; procure grants, contracts, and other funding to support scholarly research in some area of beef cattle management and grazing; publish research results in professional journals and extend results to industry stakeholders. The clinical-track appointment will provide herd management services and expose students to professional expertise in the large animal veterinary field. Either appointment will provide leadership and strategic planning to establish a statewide outreach program to organizations and stakeholders involved with grazing management; participate in School, College, University and community activities including public and private organizations; provide support and cooperation to respective beef cattle producer programs in the surrounding counties and throughout the state. In addition, either appointment will instruct undergraduate/graduate courses in animal science in person and online; recruit and advise undergraduate students; participate in curriculum development; mentor students for internships and competitive career placement within the livestock industries.

Minimum Qualifications

Either a Ph.D. in Animal Science (ABD considered) or a closely related field with an emphasis in beef cattle production and forage management from an accredited institution, or DVM with five years of professional practice experience. Demonstrated experience in management of beef cattle grazing systems including herd health and marketing, and ability to deliver courses via distance/online learning platforms as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders in grazing animal production enterprises. Demonstrated ability to facilitate experiential learning and provide effective academic and career advising to students. In addition, the tenure-track appointment will show: Evidence of ability to conduct and collaborate research in multiple disciplines related to the animal and forage sciences. Demonstrated experience in conducting applied research that addresses current needs in beef cattle industry.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Commensurate with education and experience; 9-month, tenure-track position to begin August 2023.

Benefits Information

Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of one (1) sick leave day per month and thirteen (13) University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. Deferred income and benefits over 12 months.

Posting Details

Screening Date 04/10/2023 Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants will be required to electronically upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts for all degrees conferred required upon hire), and provide email contact information for four references who will be contacted via email to provide a reference letter. Submission of materials is the applicant's responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.

Required Documents

Optional Documents

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