The Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa seeks applicants for a 9-month tenured faculty at the Associate Professor or Professor rank. The successful incumbent will be the inaugural holder of the David G. Topel and Jay-lin Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science. Position responsibilities will be approximately 60% research, 25% teaching, 10% outreach, and 5% institutional service. The successful candidate is expected to have national recognition and establish an externally funded and collaborative program in meat science with an emphasis on meat quality and/or meat processing. The successful candidate will be expected to teach in the department to transfer cutting-edge knowledge in the meat science field to graduate and/or undergraduate students. Also, directing graduate student research at M.S. and Ph.D. levels and undergraduate student academic advising is expected. The candidate will be expected to engage in outreach to the livestock industry, meat processors and the general public to disseminate science-based information applicable to meat science. Service to the department, university and the meat science profession is expected.

Application Deadline:
Applications received by June 1, 2025 will be guaranteed consideration.

Application process:
To apply for this position, please click on the link provided to complete the Employment Application.

Applicants must be prepared to submit:
1) A cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications (two-page limit).
2) A vision statement outlining the candidate’s vision for a successful faculty program at Iowa State University (two-page limit).
3) A complete curriculum vitae.
4) Names and complete contact information for 3-5 references.

Additional information:
The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is a recognized leader in its field, both nationally and internationally, with balanced emphasis on research, teaching, and extension. The department is home to approximately 1000 undergraduate students, 85 graduate students, and over 40 faculty members. The Department has a strong history of developing undergraduate students through research opportunities. The Department enjoys strong support and interactions with the livestock sector, meat processing industry, and allied industries at the state and national level. Its collegial environment, embedded in a strong livestock industry, makes the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University an excellent base for faculty interested in pursuing a rewarding and impactful career in an animal science department.

The Department of Animal Science has extensive infrastructure to support meat science faculty in research, teaching, and extension efforts. Departmental facilities focused in the meat science area include a USDA-FSIS inspected Meat Laboratory with over 11,000 ft2 of harvest and processing space, biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) microbiology lab with a fully equipped processing room, chemistry laboratory and muscle biology laboratories. Faculty members also have access to a multitude of live animal units that are adjacent to campus including beef, swine, sheep, dairy, and poultry units.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is one of the world’s leading institutions of agriculture, with more than 160 years of leadership in science, education, and extension. The College educates future leaders, conducts mission-oriented research, and shares new knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world. Iowa State plays a leading role in meeting the ever-growing demand for highly qualified students who will become the next generation of industry leaders and educators in Iowa, the nation, and the world. Offering expert animal science training, research and engagement from the Department of Animal Science and CALS is critical to continuing the university’s mission.

For more information, contact Dr. Jason Ross, Department Chair, at jwross@iastate.edu or
515-294-2161 or Dr. Terry Houser, Search Committee Chair, at 515-294-7434 or thouser@iastate.edu. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Required Education and Experience:
A Ph.D. in animal science, meat science, or a closely related discipline. Candidates will be considered for associate professor or professor rank based on previous experience in alignment with the ISU Faculty Handbook criteria.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
1. Evidence of scholarly research output in the field of meat science through publications and presentations
2. A strong record of attracting extramural research funding.
3. Experience in training and mentoring graduate students.
4. Documented effective teaching and communication skills in meat science and animal science curriculum.
5. Evidence of successful collaboration in a team-based work environment.
6. A record of engaging meat processing stakeholders to support the livestock industry.

About Iowa State University Department of Animal Science

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is a recognized leader in its field, both nationally and internationally, with balanced emphasis on research, teaching, and extension. The Department enjoys strong support and interactions with the livestock industries in the State. Its collegial environment, embedded in a strong livestock industry, makes the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University an excellent base for faculty interested in pursuing a rewarding and impactful career in the animal sciences.

Connections working at Iowa State University Department of Animal Science