Small Ruminant Production Medicine

Working/Functional Title

Small Ruminant Production Medicine

Position Summary

The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), Michigan State University, invites applications for a full-time faculty position focused on small ruminant production medicine. This position is available at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the Health Programs track, depending on the candidate's qualifications and interests.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of professionals committed to advancing the department’s teaching, clinical service, research, and outreach/extension missions. This position is essential to supporting the growing needs of the veterinary student body, particularly in small ruminant production medicine, and fostering the department’s long-standing relationships with the agricultural community. LCS faculty promote and support Michigan's strong and growing small ruminant industries.

LCS is educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and providing the finest clinical services available. Our diverse faculty focuses on areas ranging from dairy and production animal medicine to specialized equine services, intensive research, and student training. They work closely with students pursuing DVM degrees, veterinarians in internship and residency programs, and MS and PhD students. Learning to understand, diagnose, and treat disease takes place in some of the most advanced facilities and laboratories. Faculty and students work together to find new solutions and put them into practice for a better world. LCS educational facilities include the Large Animal Clinic in the Veterinary Medical Center, where faculty members and students provide emergency care as well as diagnostics, medical and surgical treatment, and therapeutic services for horses, cattle, and other ruminants, as well as other animals, including zoos and wildlife.

Position Responsibilities:

The candidate will have an approximately 50% commitment to teaching within the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum, with the remainder of the appointment distributed between clinical service, research or outreach/extension based on the candidate’s expertise and preferences.

Teaching duties will include predominantly field service instruction in small ruminant production medicine, mentoring veterinary students, and contributing to developing clinical rotations that emphasize hands-on learning with real-world applications. The successful candidate will be charged with growing the instructional programs for the DVM clinical programs in small ruminants in partnership with other ruminant specialists in the department. Therefore, a commitment to providing high-quality clinical experiences for students is essential. Our students consistently express a desire to learn more about small ruminants, and our goal is to ensure they are well-prepared to meet the needs of small ruminant clients upon graduation. The remainder of the position can be tailored to the candidate's interests. Research opportunities are available and encouraged for those interested in contributing to the field of small ruminant medicine at both the basic and applied levels, as well as developing the use of small ruminant models for diseases within the One Health framework. Outreach/extension responsibilities may involve collaboration with local producers and MSU Extension specialists and educators to improve herd health and production practices regionally, nationally, or internationally.

Health Programs (HP) appointments are unique to Michigan State University Colleges of Human, Osteopathic, Veterinary Medicine, and Nursing and are predicated on the need to enhance programs in clinical education, patient care services and clinical research. Health Programs (HP) appointments emphasize clinical service and teaching, although these positions are flexible to allow ample time for research and scholarly activity. HP appointments are expected to contribute to preclinical and clinical education of veterinary students, interns, and residents. In addition, HP faculty are expected to be active in research and other scholarly endeavors. A complete description of the Michigan State University HP system is available at Health Programs Faculty Appointment System Handbook (msu.edu).

Michigan State University is on one of the nation's largest and most beautiful campuses. The University has a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is home to a diverse international community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists, teachers, and leaders. East Lansing's collegiate atmosphere is complimented by the low cost of living with convenient access to neighboring cultural centers such as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago. East Lansing and surrounding communities provide excellent public-school systems. In addition, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, with its numerous inland lakes and rivers, state and national parks, national lake shores, world-class golf courses, and four seasons offers a broad variety of outdoor recreational activities. Visit the Pure Michigan© website Pure Michigan | Official Travel & Tourism Website for Michigan for more details.

CVM Core Value of Diversity and Commitment to Equity and Inclusion:

The college’s mission is to foster inclusivity as we learn, discover, heal, and protect. We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunity and multiculturalism where all individuals are valued, respected, provided opportunity to flourish and open doors in their pursuit of excellence. We, as a college, aim to identify, attract, and retain talented students, faculty, and staff reflective of the diversity of the populations in our state, the nation, and the world. Our academic, scholarly, and service roles, considered separately and collectively, form the foundation of an inclusive culture that is committed to respecting, nurturing, and advancing all individuals.

The College's vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service. Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26/goals to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s goals, strategies, and progress.

Appointment and Salary:

This position is a full-time annual appointment in the health program appointment system. Salary and rank (associate or assistant professor) are dependent on qualifications and experience. Faculty benefits, including comprehensive medical and dental packages are available; premiums will vary. Also, there is a base retirement plan available, professional liability coverage, and paid vacation leave.

Required Qualifications:

• DVM degree (or equivalent) from an accredited veterinary school.
• At least three years of experience in farm animal medicine, with a focus on small ruminants.
• Evidence of teaching and communication skills, along with a collaborative work ethic.
• Evidence of experience in clinical service, research, or outreach/extension

Preferred Qualifications:

• Board certification of relevance to the position
• Advanced degree such as MS or PhD
• Prior experience teaching in the DVM (or equivalent) curriculum
• Prior experience in developing a research program in small ruminant production or outreach/extension experience in small ruminant production.

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

Other -DVM/VMD (or equivalent) from an accredited veterinary school.

Minimum Requirements

• DVM/VMD (or equivalent) from an accredited veterinary school.
• At least three years of experience in farm animal medicine, with a focus on small ruminants.
• Evidence of teaching and communication skills, along with a collaborative work ethic.
• Evidence of experience in clinical service, research, or outreach/extension

Desired Qualifications

• Board certification of relevance to the position.
• Advanced degree such as MS or PhD
• Prior experience teaching in the DVM (or equivalent) curriculum.
• Prior experience in developing a research program in small ruminant production or outreach/extension experience in small ruminant production.

Required Application Materials

Letter of Intent/Cover Letter

A cover letter outlining special interest in the position, specific pertinent strengths and experiences, career goals and approach(es) to inclusive excellence (2 pages maximum)

Curriculum Vitae/Resume

Your most recently updated CV

References

Contact information for three (3) individuals to serve as professional references.

Teaching Philosophy

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to enhancing the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) of the College and the Veterinary Profession. Candidates are asked to identify their strengths, experiences, and plans in these areas as it relates to teaching, research and/or service in a DEI statement.

Special Instructions

Application materials must be submitted by using the University’s online applicant system, https://careers.msu.edu/cw/en-us/listing/.

Qualified applicants wishing more information are invited and encouraged to contact the Search Committee Chair, Andres Contreras contre28@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/20/2025

Summary of Physical Demands

• May require frequent heavy lifting.

Summary of Health Risks

• Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/lcs

Department Statement

The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) is educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and providing the finest clinical services available.

Our diverse faculty focuses on areas ranging from dairy, food animal, and specialized equine services to intensive research and student training. They work closely with students pursuing DVM degrees, veterinarians in internship and residency programs, and MS and PhD students. Learning to better understand, diagnose, and treat disease takes place in some of the most advanced facilities and laboratories. Faculty and students work together to find new solutions and put them into practice for a better world.

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.