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, seeks a full‑time, academic year, tenure‑track Assistant/Associate Professor of Precision Livestock Management starting approximately August 12, 2027. The position focuses on advancing livestock through the application of existing and emerging technologies to improve animal welfare, health, and production efficiency. The department offers degree programs in Animal and Dairy Science, emphasizing hands‑on, learn‑by‑doing experiences with a variety of animal species across its extensive facilities, including commercial herds and flocks and the Swanton Pacific Ranch.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in animal and dairy science.
• Develop precision livestock farming‑related courses over time.
• Supervise undergraduate senior projects.
• Mentor graduate students.
• Provide academic advising.
• Advance livestock through the application of existing and emerging technologies for improved animal welfare, health, and production efficiency.

Requirements

Required qualifications:

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Animal Science, Dairy Science, or a closely related field.
• Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate 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 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.

Skills

Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams; proficiency in English; capability to engage industry partners for external funding.

Pay

Salary ranges (commensurate with rank):

• Assistant Professor: $90,948 – $105,156 per year
• Associate Professor: $105,492 – $114,720 per year

Schedule

Full‑time, academic‑year, tenure‑track position beginning approximately August 12, 2027. The appointment follows the university’s academic year calendar; under potential semester‑based year‑round operations, faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters each year, with optional third‑semester teaching for additional compensation.