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, seeks a full‑time, academic year, tenure‑track Assistant/Associate Professor of Precision Livestock Management starting approximately August 12, 2027. The department offers degree programs in Animal and Dairy Science, covering animal biology, husbandry, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, molecular biology and other life sciences across farm, wildlife, laboratory and companion animals. The curriculum is flexible and hands‑on, emphasizing learn‑by‑doing experiences. The precision livestock management position will advance livestock welfare, health and production efficiency through existing and emerging technologies.

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.
• Contribute to departmental service as needed.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Animal Science, Dairy Science, or a closely related field.
• Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate may be considered if the degree will be awarded prior to the start date.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and effective communication/interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as a productive team player with peers, students, industry, government agencies and the public.
• Experience and commitment to student‑centered learning and teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interest in undergraduate teaching.
• Proficiency in written and oral English.
• 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 using current and emerging technologies relevant to California animal production agriculture.
• Industry experience.
• Record of successful academic research and ability to generate external funding.
• Commitment to excellence in university‑level teaching.

Skills

• Teaching and course development.
• Research in precision livestock management.
• Communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Team collaboration and multidisciplinary work.
• Grant writing and industry engagement.

Pay

• Assistant Professor range: $90,948 – $105,156 per year.
• Associate Professor range: $105,492 – $114,720 per year.
• Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Schedule

• Full‑time, academic year appointment.
• Tenure‑track position.
• Expected start date: approximately August 12, 2027.