Assistant Professor of Dairy Production Systems

Penn State University • University Park, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Animal Science at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, invites applications for a tenure-line faculty position in Dairy Production Systems. Candidates will be considered for appointment at the Assistant Professor level. The successful candidate will have a 50% research, 25% teaching, and 25% extension appointment. This full-time, 36-week appointment will begin on a mutually agreed upon date.

We seek an outstanding scientist who will develop an externally funded, nationally recognized research program in dairy production systems with an emphasis on applied research addressing critical challenges and opportunities facing modern dairy operations. The successful candidate will be expected to integrate research, teaching, and extension activities to generate practical solutions for dairy producers and allied industries. Strong preference will be given to candidates whose approaches are multidisciplinary and contribute to collaborative scholarship across the College of Agricultural Sciences and the University. Areas of emphasis may include nutrition, management, reproduction, efficiency, sustainability, precision technologies, or systems approaches.

The successful candidate will develop and deliver effective extension programs that translate research findings into practical recommendations for dairy producers, consultants, veterinarians, and allied industry professionals. They will advise M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students, mentor undergraduate students, teach undergraduate and graduate courses in dairy science and related disciplines, and engage in appropriate professional and service activities within and outside the Department. Teaching responsibilities will be aligned with the candidate’s expertise and the needs of the department. Priority areas may include dairy cattle production and management, dairy herd or farm financial management, milk secretion, ruminology, and dairy reproduction, genetics, or nutrition. Additional teaching opportunities may include dairy challenge, dairy judging, or careers in animal agriculture.

The Department of Animal Science at Penn State includes 32 faculty members and is home to internationally recognized programs in animal nutrition, reproduction, physiology, and genetics. Penn State maintains extensive dairy facilities housing approximately 500 animals, including modern lactating cow, heifer, dry cow, calf, and intensive research facilities that support basic, applied, and translational research. Opportunities exist to conduct studies ranging from whole-farm systems and management to intensive nutritional, physiological, and metabolic investigations. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty across the College of Agricultural Sciences and the University, including Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Plant Science, Nutritional Sciences, and related disciplines. These collaborations provide opportunities to address sustainability, nutrient management, circular agricultural systems, and emerging technologies relevant to modern dairy production.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Animal Science, Dairy Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong record of academic outputs.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to obtain external funding.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in teaching and extension.
• Plans to develop an innovative research program that will address important challenges in dairy production systems.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral or industry experience is preferred.
• Candidates who approach important questions broadly and whose programs integrate applied research with stakeholder engagement are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Develop an externally funded, nationally recognized research program in dairy production systems with an emphasis on applied research addressing critical challenges and opportunities facing modern dairy operations.
• Integrate research, teaching, and extension activities to generate practical solutions for dairy producers and allied industries.
• Develop and deliver effective extension programs that translate research findings into practical recommendations for dairy producers, consultants, veterinarians, and allied industry professionals.
• Advise M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students.
• Mentor undergraduate students.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in dairy science and related disciplines.
• Engage in appropriate professional and service activities within and outside the Department.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Attractive benefits package
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree