University of Missouri Seeks Assistant Research Professor and State Extension Specialist in Ruminant Livestock Systems

The Division of Animal Sciences (https://animalsciences.missouri.edu/) at the University of Missouri invites applications for the position of Assistant Research Professor and State Extension Specialist in Ruminant Livestock Systems. This is a 9-month, non-tenure track faculty position with an appointment of 60% research and 40% Extension that will be located at the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (SW-REEC) near Mt. Vernon, MO.

 

The selected candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized, extramurally funded, independent and collaborative research and Extension program focused on applied ruminant livestock systems. Applied research emphases may focus on grazing animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and animal health. Research may be conducted within one or more segments of beef cattle production relevant to Southwest Missouri, including cow-calf, stocker/backgrounding, and cattle finishing. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate timely communication of scholarship and research findings via peer-reviewed journal articles, professional meetings, and disseminate knowledge to stakeholders through extension activities. The successful applicant must demonstrate excellence in grantsmanship and have good written and verbal communication skills and other abilities necessary to develop an impactful and innovative extension program. There is an expectation of the selected candidate to work within a team of grazing livestock-focused campus-based faculty to conduct research and mentor graduate students.

 

Serving Southwest Missouri, the SW-REEC is located near Mt. Vernon, Missouri in Lawrence County. The Center totals 893 acres that serve as field laboratories for the University of Missouri’s researchers, and hosts thousands of visitors each year for Extension and outreach activities. Research is conducted on agronomic, horticultural and forage crops, livestock including beef cattle and small ruminants, as well as natural resource utilization and weather. Southwest Missouri is the hub of livestock production for the state with Lawrence County ranking number one in cow-calf numbers for Missouri. The 150-cow herd at the SW-REEC has been managed with synchronization and timed AI program using maternally focused genetics, presenting opportunities for collaborative research related to cow fertility, maintenance requirements, and regional adaptability. The SW-REEC is a key link between the MU campus and residents of Southwest Missouri.

 

A new 3600 sq ft livestock handling facility is under construction and will be complete in July of 2023. The new facility will allow students and researchers the opportunity to handle livestock indoors with ample room for classroom participants to observe in a safe learning environment. The SW-REEC also provides an education center available for Extension and educational programming. The education facility is equipped to host in-person and on-line programming in formal and informal settings.

 

The University of Missouri is an AAU member, Carnegie R1 institution, and one of the most comprehensive land grant universities in the nation, including agriculture, veterinary medicine, human medicine, engineering, journalism, and law. Excellent facilities and opportunities for collaboration across the campus, system and state are available. The Animal Science Research Center, houses research and teaching facilities, including nutrition, metabolism, physiology, and molecular laboratory space and equipment. The University of Missouri has several herds of cattle that are part of the four Research, Extension, and Education Centers within the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station (https://moaes.missouri.edu/). A unique attraction is the opportunity to collaborate with our nationally recognized researchers in all animal science disciplines, including nutrition, forage-livestock systems, reproduction, and genetics.

 

Importance of Beef Production in Missouri: Missouri typically ranks 2nd or 3rd in the U.S. for cow-calf numbers (https://agriculture.mo.gov/topcommodities.php) and 2nd in hay acres. Missouri is home to the offices of at least 5 breed associations (American Angus Association, American Hereford Association, American International Charolais Association, American Maine-Anjou Association, American Shorthorn Association). In addition to vibrant commercial beef production, Missouri boasts some of the most renowned seedstock producers in the U.S.

 

MU is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System. The University is located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City in Columbia. The Division of Animal Sciences is one of the top departments in the university in terms of extramural funding, research productivity and student numbers. The graduate program is among the top-ranked in the nation, by the National Research Council. The division values diversity and welcomes members of all groups among faculty, staff and students.

Ph.D. in animal science, range science, forage agronomy or related field by the time of appointment.

 

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Degrees earned.

• Research experience.

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research with evidence to secure extramural funding.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate research, outreach, and interactions with faculty, staff, students, and the various stakeholder groups of the University of Missouri and U.S. beef industry.

To apply, visit https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings. Job ID 46480 and submit:

• Letter of interest addressing the applicant’s qualifications

• Comprehensive curriculum vitae

• Statement of research interests and objectives

• Statement of extension philosophy

• Academic transcripts

• Address, phone number

• Email addresses of 4 references

 

Review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

 

Specific inquiries regarding this position may be directed to the search committee chair, Harley Naumann (Naumannhd@missouri.edu).

 

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

 

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

 

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256.

 

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884- 7278.