Assistant Professor - Livestock Sustainability

Required Qualifications

• Experience with teaching students and/or stakeholders in formal and/or informal settings.
• Publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals.
• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in animal science or a program with a demonstrated focus on resource utilization in the production of livestock and poultry.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and conduct independent and collaborative research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in effective teaching.
• Evidence of communication of research results to external audiences.
• Experience in student advising and mentoring.
• Evidence of obtaining extramural grant funding.
• Experience and ability to work with research teams in an interdisciplinary, diverse, and multicultural environment.
• Evidence of utilization of innovative teaching methods and technology.
• Experience in field-based applied research.
• Demonstrated ability to interact productively with industry stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in sustainability of livestock systems.

Assistant Professor, Livestock Sustainability
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
St. Paul Campus
Position Overview
Assistant Professor, tenure-track (9-month) position with research (60%) and teaching (40%) responsibilities involving sustainability of livestock production systems. The individual in this position will work closely with UMN faculty and students to conduct externally funded research in one or more areas of livestock sustainability, including aspects of nutrient cycling, air and water quality, and/or resource management. The candidate may conduct research in resource utilization with their preferred livestock or poultry species. The teaching opportunities will include development of an interdisciplinary and multispecies undergraduate course on livestock and poultry sustainability, graduate course(s) in the individual’s areas of expertise, and contributions to departmental courses and student advising. Engagement with external partners will be critical for the success of the individual in this position. The tenure home of this position is in the Department of Animal Science (http://ansci.umn.edu). The successful candidate is expected to develop independent as well as collaborative research programs and to recruit and mentor graduate students including those from diverse backgrounds. Collaboration among research faculty and with colleagues in other disciplines is expected. This position is funded by legislative action through the Agricultural Research Education Extension and Technology Transfer (AGREETT, https://agreett.umn.edu) program.
Responsibilities
The University of Minnesota 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 classes to help prepare resilient students for changes in animal agriculture industries; and contribute to the public service mission of the University. The successful applicant will be expected to obtain internal and extramural funding, support graduate student research, publish in relevant refereed journals, and achieve national recognition. Examples of impactful areas of research and teaching include:
Research: 60%

• Dietary interventions to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (e.g., alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons) in emissions from livestock, livestock feed (i.e. silage) and manure.
• Nutritional aspects of cover crop utilization and carbon sequestration.
• Renewable energy platforms that interface with modern livestock (meat, milk, egg) production.
• Upcycling of agricultural by-products into higher value animal feed products by means of nutritional evaluation, enhanced nutritional components, and strategic use for enhanced animal health, welfare, performance, and well-being.
• Novel precision technologies with models to better predict and match inputs of nutrients, water, nitrogen, carbon and others with outputs such that negative environmental impacts are minimized.
• Farm animal research in established areas of Carbon Footprint and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, nitrogen cycling, water and soil quality, water and land use, and new metrics aligned to assist livestock producers achieve United Nations developmental goals.

Teaching: 40%

• Develop graduate level courses along the continuum from fundamental nutrition to system impacts on the environment.
• Engagement with external groups, via development of new communication channels and leverage existing channels such as MN Nutrition Conference, Waste to Worth Conference and others.
• Engage with faculty and scientists in a broad range of disciplines to establish impactful teaching and research programs that address sustainability of animal production systems.
• Research and training of graduate students in areas of life-cycle assessment, for instance, impact of alternative feeds on the carbon cycle.
• Develop curriculum in life-cycle analysis and other aspects of sustainability locally and/or virtually to a wider population of learners.

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 13 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers thirteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college’s emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.
At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Department Overview
The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) (http://www.cfans.umn.edu/) is located on the scenic St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major, with an enrollment of 420 students, is divided into five emphasis areas: Business/Industry, Companion Animal, Equine, Production, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science. Each emphasis offers a unique combination of classes to prepare students for future careers in business, production management, companion animal, equine, veterinary medicine or graduate school. Within an emphasis, students can also specialize in a species, such as beef, companion animal, dairy, equine, poultry, swine or sheep, or develop a set of elective classes unique to their animal interests.

The Minnesota Livestock and Poultry Industries
Minnesota has a large and diverse agricultural industry. In 2020, Minnesota ranked nationally 1st in Turkeys raised; 2nd in market hog inventory; 3rd in pig crop, 5th in milk goats, 6th in red meat production, 7th in milk cows and milk replacement inventory, 8th in cattle on feed, and 9th in steers >500 pounds. For more information on the agricultural economy in Minnesota, visit https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Minnesota/Publications/Rankings/2020-MN-Rankings.pdf. All sectors of animal agriculture in Minnesota are served by active commodity and producer groups that work closely with the University of Minnesota.
University of Minnesota Animal Science Research Program
The person in this position is expected to conduct research in livestock or poultry with focus on important aspects of animal agriculture sustainability. Modern, fully equipped laboratory facilities are located in Haecker Hall, Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science, and Animal Science Veterinary Medicine, which are all adjacent to one another on the St. Paul campus. Livestock and poultry facilities presently include: The St. Paul Dairy and Poultry Teaching and Research Centers on campus, beef feedlot at the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center, dairy calf and swine facilities at Southern Research and Outreach Center (Waseca), beef cow-calf herd at North Central Research and Outreach Center (Grand Rapids), and swine and pasture-based dairy facilities at West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris). Opportunities for collaboration include the Integrated Animal Systems Biology Team (https://animalsystemsbiology.cfans.umn.edu), the UMN Institute on the Environment (https://environment.umn.edu/), the College of Veterinary Medicine (https://vetmed.umn.edu/), and CFANS Departments including: Biosystems and Biological Engineering (https://bbe.umn.edu/); Applied Economics (https://apec.umn.edu/); Soil, Water, and Climate (https://swac.umn.edu/); and Agronomy and Plant Genetics (https://agronomy.cfans.umn.edu/).

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required application materials:

• Statement of teaching philosophy (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Statement of research (maximum 1 page)

[both research and teaching statements should highlight accomplishments, experience and interests]

• Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references. References will be contacted only for those applicants judged most appropriate.
• Diversity statement (please see below*)

Priority application deadline will be February 15, 2023, but this position will remain open until filled.

For question regarding this position, please contact Lee Johnston, Chair, email: [email protected], 320-589-1711, Ext. 2117. Inquiries about the search process may be directed to Kim Reno, Department of Animal Science Administrator, email: [email protected], 612-624-7453. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
*Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials)*
Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all of our academic programs. Please review the CFANS definition of diversity and the DEI strategic plan for the college.
Please, provide a diversity statement that details your professional experiences in DEI. Experiences may include:

• Working with diverse communities or local organizations
• Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work.
• Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your professional career

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.