Position Summary
The Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University invites applications for a full‐time, 9-month, tenure system Assistant Professor with a 50% research, 15% teaching, 30% extension/outreach, and 5% service assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2024.
The successful candidate is expected to develop a robust, collaborative funded research program that focuses broadly on developing and implementing precision livestock farming (PLF) tools on commercial farms. The candidate will work to solve problems related to monitoring and management at the level of the animal in commercial production systems. The successful candidate could possess an academic background from a range of animal-science disciplines (e.g., ethology, nutrition, genetics/genomics, or physiology) or a data-science and engineering background with applications in animal science (e.g., dairy cattle, swine, and/or poultry).
The candidate’s research focus could include data analytics, artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, computer vision, human dimensions, or other foci relevant to developing, implementing, or evaluating PLF. The successful candidate will advise graduate students, attract necessary funding to support a robust research program, publish in high‐tier peer‐reviewed journals, and collaborate within and beyond campus to train highly qualified personnel in this growing field. The candidate is expected to work across disciplines and to integrate with other extension personnel to reach key stakeholder groups.
The successful candidate will be expected to provide a high‐quality instructional experience for students in the department and across campus. Each year, they will teach an introductory precision livestock farming course targeted to a range of agricultural majors (3 credits). We envision this position working with Michigan’s meat, dairy, and egg industries, providing expertise and support for improving the resilience and sustainability of the sector. We encourage candidates interested in applied, on-farm research, and demonstration.
The successful candidate will have the communication skills necessary to forge collaborations between partners from diverse academic disciplines and also to promote these ideas to students, funding organizations, and industry as well as to respond to the concerns and needs surrounding development of practical PLF.
The individual must effectively interact with faculty, staff, and students including those of different demographic, ethnic, gender, and cultural backgrounds; mentor and advise graduate students for their academic success; develop innovative approaches to integrate research with knowledge transmission; and have a commitment to on‐going professional development in their assignment. An understanding of and commitment to experiential learning and the land grant mission are essential for success.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Animal Science, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Minimum Requirements
An earned Ph.D. in Animal Science, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Data Science or other field relevant to PLF, and a demonstrated record of activities in research and teaching relevant to the position.
Desired Qualifications
Postdoctoral training is desired. Preferred candidates will have an ability to teach an introductory precision livestock farming course to students from a range of majors and will have a working knowledge of the general field of animal science, proficiency with modern instructional technologies, and evidence of teaching experience. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence in research including publications and grantsmanship, significant experience in PLF-related research techniques, and evidence of the ability to work effectively in a research team.
Required Application Materials
For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu . Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and statement of research, teaching and extension philosophies highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and d) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Special Instructions
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 10, 2023, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
Review of Applications Begins On
12/10/2023
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
