Assistant Professor of Animal Science

TITLE: Assistant Professor of Animal Science (Tenure Track)

DEPARTMENT: School of Agriculture, Communities, and the Sciences

REPORTS TO: Chair, School of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:  The Assistant Professor of Animal Science is a tenure-track, research (50%), teaching (25%), and extension (25%) position with Kentucky State University’s 1890 Land-Grant Program.  The faculty member is expected to conduct research in the area of animal science and provide statewide extension support to train extension professionals concerning livestock and small ruminant production issues with a particular focus on limited-resource,  small farms, and low-income communities. 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: 

The Assistant Professor of Animal Science is a tenure-track, research (50%), teaching (25%), and extension (25%) position with Kentucky State University’s 1890 Land-Grant Program.  The faculty member is expected to conduct research in the area of animal science and provide statewide extension support to train extension professionals concerning livestock and small ruminant production with a particular focus on limited-resource and small farms, and low-income communities. The research and outreach focus should be on animal science topics related to ruminant nutrition (includes grazing practices), physiology, health, genetics, and animal production management such as sanitation, confinement, and daily maintenance.  Research and Extension activities should be focused on small farms and farms with limited financial abilities.  There could be opportunities for research and outreach across the United States and internationally. The faculty member is expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses.  Additionally, the faculty member is expected to mentor both graduate and undergraduate students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Develop a research program based on the industry needs and related to ruminant animal science involving nutrition (includes grazing practices), physiology, health, genetics, and animal production management such as sanitation, confinement, and daily maintenance.
• Develop an Extension program related to small-scale animal husbandry, potentially both meat and dairy herds, as a vehicle for establishment of profitable farms among low-income and socially disadvantaged populations.
• Participate in industry advisory committees related to ruminant farmers (cattle, goats, and sheep) to outline topics needing investigation.
• Pursue external funding to support animal science nutrition and food safety education.
• Develop research and outreach partnerships with other agricultural universities in Kentucky, other 1890 Land-Grant universities, 1994 Land-Grant colleges, and international institutions and agencies.
• Build cooperative working relationships with other research scientists, extension specialists, area educators, teaching faculty, staff; youth program educators; university administrators, federal partners, other universities, and other potential organizations with expertise that can support program efforts.
• Develop relationships, serve as a liaison to, and/or collaborate with, appropriate governmental and non-governmental organizations including community-based organizations that serve farms, military veterans, socially disadvantaged populations, and consumers.
• Publish research results in refereed journals, books, and book chapters, abstracts and proceedings, and other publications and media outlets.
• Solicit funding and other resources from public and private agencies, such as SARE, USDA, and AFRI, to enhance Extension and research programing.
• Collaborate with colleagues at 1890 institutions, other land grant and non-land grant institutions, USDA and state agencies, and other professionals to enhance the quality of research.
• Involve stakeholders in the development, execution, and dissemination of research projects and results.
• Participate actively in the appropriate professional societies via oral and poster presentations, serving on committees and holding office, and other society involvement.
• Mentor, provide oversight and lead graduate and undergraduate students in their research activities using cutting-edge techniques. 
• Teach courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels based on the needs of the University and qualifications of the candidate.
• Represent Kentucky State University as an 1890 Land Grant Institution to the public, including federal and non-federal agencies, and research, agriculture and industry interests.

OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Animal Science or related field.  Evidence of peer reviewed journal publications.  

Licensing and Certifications: None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Relevant extension and/or research experience beyond the Ph.D. degree.
• Evidence of the ability to collaborate in research, teaching, and outreach activities.
• Evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations with diverse audiences including faculty, stakeholders, and other clientele within and external to the university.
• Demonstrated skills in securing grants or strong potential to secure extramural funding.
• Experience and interest in mentoring and teaching students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Involvement with recognized professional associations or organizations.
• Ability to transfer information through scholarly publications, patents and presentations at scientific meetings and through technology transfer to agriculture and industry groups.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work in both indoor office work environment and outdoor field/farm environment.
• Moderate physical effort required to move supplies and material in a farm, greenhouse, laboratory work.
• Moderate physical risk that is associated with normal farm, greenhouse, and laboratory work.

Revised: 06/30/2023

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform. “The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.”