The Department Head provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. This position advances the department’s mission within Kansas State University as a land-grant institution, supporting excellence in teaching, research, and extension. The Department Head works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, industry partners, and university leadership to strengthen programs, expand impact, and position the department for future success.
The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is a large, comprehensive academic unit with national reach and impact. The department serves more than 1,200 undergraduate and nearly 60 graduate students, with strong placement outcomes exceeding 95% employment or continued education after graduation. Supported by approximately 50 faculty members, the department integrates teaching, research, and extension to address critical needs in animal agriculture and food systems. Academic programs span multiple undergraduate options and specialized certificates, covering disciplines such as animal health, nutrition, breeding and genetics, physiology, dairy product processing, and meat science. The department’s extensive facilities include numerous species-specific teaching and research units—beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and equine—located near campus, as well as modern laboratories and food processing facilities that support applied learning and cutting-edge research. Together, this breadth of programs, people, and infrastructure positions the department as a leader in preparing students and advancing science to support a safe, efficient, and innovative animal and food production system.
As part of Kansas State University, a comprehensive R1, land-grant institution, the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is devoted to excellence in teaching, research, extension, and engagement. The Department is fully committed to advancing the University’s land-grant mission and its vision to become a Next-Generation Land-Grant University.
As the nation’s first operational land-grant university, K-State has always put agriculture central to the student experience, research and application of knowledge. Throughout its history, the College of Agriculture has remained true to its land-grant mission, serving Kansas, the United States and the world by providing top-level agricultural, food and natural resources research, instruction and outreach to inform decisions and ensure safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food for all.
This position is On-site. This position is on-site
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
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:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: August 7, 2026
Commensurate with experience
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
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.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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