About This Role:

The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is the largest department (approximately 950 undergraduates and 90 graduate students) in Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture. We are seeking applicants for a 12-month, tenure-track position (60% Extension, 25% Research and 15% Teaching). The position will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor and located in Manhattan, KS. The successful individual is expected to develop an innovative and impactful extension program addressing issues facing the Kansas and U.S. small ruminant industry. The research focus will be consistent with the successful individual’s expertise in small ruminants, and may include nutrition, physiology, meat science, genetics or other related disciplines. Support and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team with efforts related to sustainability research and extension programing consistent with team, Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, and K-State goals is expected. Teaching efforts will primarily focus on direct leadership for the ‘Sheep and Meat Goat Science’ undergraduate class, with the potential for development of other relevant courses of interest.

Position Description and Responsibilities: The successful individual will:

• Develop and maintain high-quality and innovative small ruminant extension and research programs

• • Communicate with and engage clientele, extension agents, faculty, and support personnel
  • Develop impactful information transfer approaches, such as in-person programs, factsheets, videos, newsletters, bulletins, internet-based communications, and radio/TV reports

• Foster relationships with producers, industry, governmental organizations, and leaders in the Kansas and U.S. small ruminant industry
• Support and collaborate with an interdisciplinary sustainability team focused on research and extension efforts to address aspects of sustainability related to animal and meat production to enhance economic-social-environmental outcomes of the livestock and meat industries.
• Provide leadership and/or participate in team-oriented extension and research programs and contribute to youth outreach programs
• Teach undergraduate ‘Sheep and Meat Goat Science’ course and advise graduate students
• Provide leadership for the collegiate wool judging team
• Promote a multicultural environment by fostering diversity, teamwork, and inclusivity

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS, with a current population of more than 55,000 residents. For more than 100 years, the University small ruminant program has served the industry within Kansas.  From 2013 to 2023, the total Kansas sheep and meat goat inventory rose over 10%. The K-State Sheep and Meat Goat Center was built in 2011 and is one of the most modern and functional small ruminant Land Grant facilities in the United States.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits 

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and promotes inclusion.  The University actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others.  The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements.  Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. in Animal Science and/or DVM or related area, by the start date
• Practical knowledge and experience in the production and management of sheep and/or meat goats
• Demonstrated evidence of being a successful team worker, and ability to meet, interact and communicate with colleagues, staff, industry stakeholders, and other pertinent clientele
• Interest in and willingness to contribute towards research and extension activities related to the sustainability and longevity of animal agriculture in the US
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills including scholarly publications to effectively communicate with clientele
• Proficiency in the interpretation and translation of scientific/technical information into educational resources for extension and teaching programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with sheep and meat goats.
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• Teaching activity and effectiveness consistent with experience level
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• Ability to lead the collegiate wool judging team.
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• Demonstrated ability in obtaining extramural funding
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• Prior experience in leading or participating in sustainability research and extension programing
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• Strong academic publication record
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• Experience conducting collaborative, interdisciplinary research
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• Demonstrated potential to develop educational materials via diverse methods to outreach audiences
• Commitment to the University’s land-grant mission and the K-State Next-Gen Strategic Plan https://www.k-state.edu/strategic-planning/
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• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and advance the university’s commitment to collegiality, diversity, and inclusivity
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• Applicability of scholarly activity towards K-State’s Plan for Economic Prosperity in Kansas https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/Economic-prosperity-plan-web.pdf

Other Requirements:

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

How to Apply:

Applicants should complete the application process and upload the following:

1. Cover letter to include an explanation of your extension, research and teaching experience and how your expertise aligns with the position

2. Curriculum vitae

3. Copies of unofficial academic transcripts

4. Name and contact information for three professional references

For more information contact:

Joel DeRouchey, Search Committee Chair

Department of Animal Sciences & Industry        

222 Weber Hall

jderouch@ksu.edu

(785) 532-2280

Screening of Applications Begins:

February 2, 2024. For best consideration, apply before February 2, 2024.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.