Assistant/Associate Professor, Precision Livestock Management

About the role

The Animal Science Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure‐track Assistant/Associate Professor of Precision Livestock Management starting approximately August 12, 2027. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the Department

The Animal Sciences Department, which includes over 800 students in the two majors, boasts the most comprehensive and the best undergraduate program in livestock production and management in the West. Through its faculty and students, the Department manages commercial herds and flocks of dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry encompassing over 5000-acres to support the Learn by Doing philosophy. Graduates of Animal Science and Dairy Science are prepared for meaningful careers in the animal industries, allied professions, and graduate studies. Swanton Pacific Ranch is a 3,200-acre ranch in Santa Cruz County, California, outside the town of Davenport. The ranch is owned and operated by California Polytechnic State University for educational and research in sustainable agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in animal and dairy science; teaching assignments will depend on the candidate’s background and department needs
• Develop precision livestock farming related courses over time
• Supervise undergraduate senior projects and mentor graduate students
• Provide academic advising

Qualifications

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Animal Science, Dairy Science, or a closely related field; candidates nearing completion may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interest in undergraduate teaching
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language
• Ability to communicate with industry supporters to secure external funding

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and interest in beef cattle or dairy cattle
• Applied and innovative research efforts utilizing current and emerging technologies, particularly in areas with clear application to California animal production agriculture
• Industry experience
• Commitment to excellence in teaching at the university level
• Record of successful academic research
• Demonstrated ability to generate external funding