Assistant Professor, Meat Science

Animal Sciences & Industry is the largest department at Kansas State University with robust teaching, research, and extension programs focusing on the primary disciplines and species/products in the animal and food sciences, with approximately 44 faculty, 1178 undergraduate, and 59 graduate students. Kansas plays a significant role in the meat industry, ranking second in fed cattle marketed and third in total red meat production. Animal slaughtering and meat processing from carcasses has a direct output of $11.2 billion and supports a total of 17,292 jobs in Kansas. To serve students and industry, we are seeking applicants for a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position (60% teaching, 40% research). The position will be at the rank of Assistant Professor and located in Manhattan, KS. The successful individual is expected to teach classes related to animal harvest and processing (ASI 361), advanced meat science (ASI 930), as well as courses to support the teaching mission of the department. The individual is expected to work in collaboration with a diverse team within the meat science faculty group, department, COA, and university towards teaching and research objectives. Research efforts will be consistent with the successful individual's expertise, interests, and needs of the Department.

The K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) serves students, livestock producers and the animal and food industries through teaching, research and education. The Dept. of ASI prepares students for careers in the animal and food industries. The curriculum includes the study of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science and food science with production, management, and agribusiness skills. Students are given sound professional and scientific skills, a broad education and experience for contributing to our communities across the nation and abroad. Students receive excellent advisement and mentorship from faculty and professional staff and participate in extracurricular activities to develop skills to become industry leaders.

This position is On-site.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. or equivalent at the time of hire in Meat Science, Animal Science, or Food Science
Taught or assisted in teaching graduate and/or undergraduate meat and/or animal science courses
Knowledge and experience in meat science, specifically with livestock harvest and processing
Demonstrated excellence in research
Willingness and enthusiasm for participation in team-oriented meat science, departmental, and college objectives
Excellent written and oral communication skills

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience and knowledge in the meat industry
Demonstrated ability in obtaining extramural funding
Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching of meat science courses
Strong academic publication record
Experience conducting collaborative, interdisciplinary research
Evidence of being a successful team member and effective leader
Experience in both graduate and undergraduate mentorship
Commitment to the University's land-grant mission and the K-State Next-Gen Strategic Plan https://www.k-state.edu/strategic-planning/

Additional licenses / registrations / certifications:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
Applicants must have a valid driver's license at the time of employment

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

Applicants should complete the application process through K-State's PageUp recruiting system at http://kstate.pageuppeople.com/ to complete the application and upload the following:
1. Letter of interest to include an explanation of how your qualifications and professional interests align with the position
2. Curriculum vitae
3. A one-page statement of research plans and goals
4. A one-page statement of teaching philosophy and goals
5. Copies of unofficial academic transcripts
6. Name and contact information for three professional references

For more information contact:

Travis O'Quinn, Search Committee Chair
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
244 Weber Hall
travisoquinn@ksu.edu
785-532-3469

Applications close on: October 26, 2025

$90,000 - $105,000