Position: The Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences at Truman State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Agricultural Science - Animal Science, with anticipated appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.  This position is for a full-time appointment on a nine-month contract, beginning August, 2024. This position is ideal for candidates who wish to work with high-ability undergraduates in an experiential learning focused, liberal arts environment.

Responsibilities: Successful candidate will teach a variety of basic and upper-level courses in Animal Science and engage undergraduates in hands-on learning opportunities with livestock at the University Farm; develop a program of research and scholarship involving undergraduate collaborators; advise Agricultural Science majors and Pre-Veterinary students; and participate in service activities including student recruitment.  The individual must be willing to collaborate with other faculty in a multi-disciplinary approach to educating students about sustainable agriculture.  Broad, multi-species, animal science interest is preferred, but there will be opportunities to develop elective offerings based on academic expertise and interest, including in reproduction, nutrition, or production management.  The individual will play a key role in management of the University cattle herd and have an opportunity to work with the horse herd as well as add other livestock (especially small ruminants or swine) or poultry to the Farm for teaching purposes.  The individual will interact with non-agriculture majors through the Animal Science minor as well as through life science and interdisciplinary courses offered through the University’s Dialogues curriculum.

Required Qualifications: The position requires a Ph.D. in Animal Science or a related field, or a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM); Ph.D. ABD will be considered but Ph.D. must be fully complete within one year of the date of appointment. 

Candidates will be evaluated on: Applicants will be evaluated on academic qualifications; support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University; teaching philosophy and experience; demonstrated potential for success in teaching animal science courses; evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills; compatibility of planned research program with undergraduate engagement in animal science; and fit with the department’s needs.

Benefits: Truman offers an attractive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; retirement contributions and paid sick leave. Paid parental leave and tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year. For more information, visit https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

Program: The Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences is part of the School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University. The Department has 20 faculty members and approximately 320 undergraduate majors in Agricultural Science (with specializations in Animal Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Business, and Equine Science), Biology, Cannabis & Natural Medicinals and Environmental Science. The Department also offers courses in the Dialogues (Truman’s liberal studies core curriculum) and opportunities for faculty members to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 3,500 students who make up its student body are well prepared for the challenging academics in a supportive environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects.  Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half plan to go on to graduate or professional school. Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public four-year colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master’s universities in the nation. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school and community college, and the Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, as well as several local shops and restaurants. It is also the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers’ markets from May through October, as well as the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival each fall. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O’Hare provide quick access to one of the country’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Application: The application process is handled by the School of Science and Mathematics.  Applications must be submitted electronically at http://employment.truman.edu/. For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-786-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.   Completed applications must include a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above, a statement of teaching philosophy, current curriculum vitae, official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available.  Final candidates will be expected to undergo and successfully pass a background check.

Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. Michael Seipel, Professor of Agricultural Science, mseipel@truman.edu  

Truman State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, Truman State does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its program or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Inquiries may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354 and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman State is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.