Assistant/Associate Professor Beef Cow-Calf Nutrition and Management

Full-time, 12-month, Tenure-Track position; 47.5% Research, 47.5% Teaching, 5% Service We are seeking applicants for Assistant/Associate Professor Beef Cow-Calf Nutrition and Management. This position is designed for an individual with a strong background in ruminant nutrition and a passion for advancing the science and practice of cattle nutrition and management. The incumbent will develop an active research program relevant to cow/calf nutrition and management. Responsibilities include service as the faculty manager of the Cow-Calf Unit. Teaching emphasis will include undergraduate courses in beef cattle management, graduate courses within discipline expertise, and other courses based on expertise and departmental need including both in-person and online formats. Mentoring undergraduate students with interest in beef cow/calf production is expected. The position requires 5% of time devoted to service activities such as participation on departmental, college, and university committees; participation in professional organizations; and contributing to the public good, consistent with K-State’s land-grant mission. The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is the largest department (approximately 1,200 undergraduates and 60 graduate students) in Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture. The department’s Cow-Calf Unit currently operates on approximately 2,000 deeded acres, 3,000 leased acres of native tallgrass prairie, and 1,000-1,300 acres of cover crops. The herd consists of approximately 325 commercial cows, 130 heifers, and 15 breeding bulls. Opportunities exist to collaborate with other beef cattle facilities within the K-State system including the Purebred Beef Unit, Agricultural Research Center-Hays, Southeast Research-Extension Center-Parsons, Feedlot/Stocker Units, and Konza Prairie. Opportunities also exist for collaboration with research involving cow-calf interactions with ecological health and function, prescribed fire, and control of invasive forage species. Position Available: December 6, 2026 (negotiable) Responsibilities: • Research (47.5%): o Faculty manager of the Cow/Calf Unit. o Develop an active research program relevant to cow/calf nutrition and management; collaborative and systems research is desirable. o Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and industry stakeholders to translate research findings into practical applications. • Teaching (47.5%): o Teach undergraduate courses in beef cattle management, and graduate courses within the discipline expertise of the individual. o Mentor undergraduate and graduate students with a specific interest in cow/calf nutrition and management. • Service (5.0%): o Participate in departmental, college, and university committees, shared governance, and administrative roles not otherwise assigned. o Participate in professional organizations. o Contribute to the public good, consistent with K-State’s land-grant mission. Minimum Requirements: o Ph.D. at the time of hire in Animal Science or a closely related field. The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level. o Practical knowledge and experience in beef cow/calf production. o Ability to develop and lead a relevant research program and secure extramural funding. o Aptitude and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. o Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: o Proven record of research activity in ruminant nutrition and cow-calf management, consistent with experience level. o Experience in research with grazing/forage-fed cattle. o Demonstrated success in university-level teaching. o Evidence of being a successful team member and leader, including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, staff, students, industry stakeholders, and research teams. Other Requirements: o Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment o A valid driver’s license at the time of employment