Position Overview

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, tenure-track (9-month) position with Extension (60%) and research (40%) responsibilities involving beef cattle nutrition and management. The individual in this position will work closely with Minnesota beef producers and University of Minnesota (UMN) faculty and students to conduct Extension and research in one or more areas of beef production systems including feedlot management, post-weaning nutrition, and improving the economic, environmental, and/or social sustainability of feedlot operations in the Upper Midwest. The successful candidate may focus their research efforts toward, but not limited to, one or more of the following areas: nutrient and management requirements for beef cattle production while reducing environmental impact, developing and/or testing alternative feeds and feed additives in backgrounding and finishing diets, improving efficiency of MN beef production, promoting animal health and well-being through nutritional and management strategies from weaning to harvest, and/or enhancing nutritional benefits of beef.  The tenure home of this position is in the Department of Animal Science (http://ansci.umn.edu) which is located in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) (http://www.cfans.umn.edu/). This Extension Specialist position will also have responsibilities in  Extension (https://extension.umn.edu/). The successful candidate is expected to develop independent, yet collaborative, research and Extension programs and to recruit and mentor graduate students including those from diverse backgrounds. Collaboration among research and Extension faculty and with colleagues in other disciplines is expected.

Responsibilities and Expectations

The UMN Department of Animal Science is seeking applicants having the ability to establish and maintain an innovative, independent yet collaborative, and extramurally funded research program; develop and deliver impactful Extension programming; and contribute to the public service mission of the University.

Extension: 60%

• Establish strong connections with cow-calf, feedlot beef producers, meat processors, and industry partners
• Provide strong leadership and impactful Extension programming on critical issues related to ruminant nutrition and management of beef production systems
• Be an active and collaborative member of the UMN Extension Beef Team
• Publish in research and industry-relevant publications
• Serve as a resource for beef production stakeholders in Minnesota and beyond

Research: 40%

• Conduct innovative and collaborative research relative to beef nutrition, beef production systems, and feedlot management
• Obtain internal and extramural funding, support graduate student research, publish in relevant refereed journals, and achieve national and international recognition
• Contribute to research programs in ruminant nutrition, beef production systems, and feedlot management within the department; and develop interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty across the UMN and beyond
• Provide faculty leadership to the RROC Beef Facility

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 21, 2024 to ensure full consideration

(full job posting)

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in animal science or a program with a demonstrated focus on ruminant nutrition or related field completed by the time of appointment  
• Demonstrated ability to propose and conduct field-based, applied, independent and collaborative research  
• Evidence of communication of research results to external or scientific audiences
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals   
• Background in providing oversight to research and/or Extension programs in beef nutrition and feedlot management  
• Evidence of obtaining extramural grant funding
• Experience in graduate student advising and mentoring
• Experience and ability to work with research and Extension teams in an interdisciplinary, diverse, and multicultural environment
• Evidence of utilization of innovative teaching methods and technology