Position Summary
The Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University invites applications for a full‐time, 12-month Academic Specialist - Outreach with a 25% teaching, 70% Extension/Outreach, and 5% service assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be May 1, 2024.
The successful candidate will develop an extension program with applied research and education efforts to serve stakeholders within the poultry industry with a focus on the state of Michigan. The candidate will also lead teaching efforts in poultry science in support of undergraduate programs within the Department of Animal Science (ANS).
The successful candidate will work closely with the Michigan poultry industry and poultry scientists at MSU to identify stakeholder needs, conduct applied research as necessary to address these needs, and to develop educational programs to disseminate current research for the benefit of this vital Michigan agricultural sector. Small flock producers will also be a target audience of these programming efforts. The candidate will have the autonomy to develop their own extension focus areas which could include nutrition, animal environment, health and wellbeing, physiology, product quality, environmental impact, and economics. The candidate will also work closely with poultry scientists at MSU as a team to aide in dissemination of their collective findings. The individual will coordinate and lead extension efforts, working with extension educators within Michigan to develop programming with an educational plan and impact assessment. The candidate will also work with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development representatives to address Michigan poultry industry concerns. In addition, the candidate will be encouraged to lead and participate in existing strong regional programs in poultry extension.
The successful candidate is expected to remain current on poultry production research and to facilitate, conduct, and participate in applied research on issues important to the poultry industry and deliver those results and those of other poultry researchers at MSU through the individual’s extension program. The candidate will be expected to develop extramural support for their program.
Infrastructure for teaching and research support includes the MSU Poultry Teaching and Research Center which has a modern laying hen unit containing 2 styles of cage-free aviaries, enriched/furnished cages, and a robotic feeding system in addition to buildings that accommodate pullet, turkey, duck, and broiler research.
The teaching component of this position includes two courses within the Department of Animal Science. An avian physiology course will be taught yearly, and a poultry production and management course will be delivered every other year. Additional instruction/advising components include advising the Avian Science Club, participating in the Midwest Poultry Consortium, and assisting with graduate student advising to mentor these different student groups for academic and career success.
The successful candidate must possess effective communication skills in their interactions with students and stakeholders which will include those with diversity of demographic, ethnic, gender, and cultural backgrounds. The candidate is expected to develop innovative instructional approaches to classroom teaching and outreach and have a commitment to on-going professional development in the assignments.
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
Masters -Animal or Poultry Science or a closely related
Desired Degree
Doctorate -Animal or Poultry Science or a closely related
Minimum Requirements
MS in Animal or Poultry Science or a closely related field with strong training and background in the poultry industry. A strong emphasis will be placed on the ability to communicate, teach effectively, and collaborate with colleagues.
Desired Qualifications
PhD in Animal or Poultry Science or a closely related field. A demonstrated record of activities in teaching, applied research, Extension/outreach in poultry science.
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 extension programming, applied research and teaching/advising philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and d) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Special Instructions
For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 914666. Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and statement of extension programming, applied research and teaching/advising philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and d) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 11, 2023 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Richard Ehrhardt, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, ehrhard5@msu.edu, 517-353-2906.
Review of Applications Begins On
12/11/2023
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.
