Nutritional Immunologist

Nutritional Immunologist

The Ohio State University

Department: Animal Sciences

Rank: Assistant Professor

Location: Wooster, Ohio

Description: The Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University seeks to employ a 9-month, tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant Professor rank in Nutritional Immunology to begin in Autumn 2021 semester or when a suitable candidate is found. All application materials must be received before an application will be considered. The anticipated position split will be 80% Research and 20% Teaching. The position is associated with the Foods for Health Discovery Theme (https://discovery.osu.edu/foods-health).

Expectations: The successful candidate is expected to have broad expertise in basic immunological concepts and host-pathogen interactions that interface with nutritional principals. Expertise and future research priorities should advance scientific knowledge of topics such as optimization of immune function, acquired immunity, infectious disease resolution, and sustainable nutritional strategies to modulate immune response in agricultural animals, preferably poultry or swine. The successful applicant will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program that is well supported by extramural funding, contribute to the educational mission of the department through teaching of undergraduate and/or graduate courses, and advise graduate students. The research priorities should fit within the missions of 1) CFAES’s priority to support the National One Health Initiative, which focuses on links between animal health, human health, and our environment and 2) OSU’s signature Foods for Health Discovery Theme, which advances multidisciplinary research that defines the relationship between foods, disease prevention, and health promotion. The successful candidate is also expected to collaborate with current faculty to augment the common themes within the Department, which include improving animal welfare, animal health, and the quality of the resulting products; enhancing environmental compatibility of livestock operations; and increasing the economic profitability of food animal production systems. As a Foods for Health Discovery Theme hire, the successful applicant will also be expected to collaborate across the University using animal models to advance research on the relationship between immunology, nutrition, and human health.

Preferred Qualifications: Requirements include a doctorate in Animal Science, Biology, or a closely related field. Post-doctoral experience is preferred. Demonstrated excellence in innovative research and a strong commitment to teaching are essential. Applicants must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, in addition to the ability and desire to work with diverse groups of individuals (including underrepresented groups) in a collegial team environment. Leadership and academic excellence should be evident in the application. A working understanding of livestock and/or poultry management is expected, and interaction with partners in allied animal industries is preferred.

Location: The College Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (cfaes.osu.edu) is home to internationally known scientists that positively impact individuals and communities every day. The opportunities to make an impact in a chosen field are endless as a result of the university’s commitment to transformational initiatives through our Discovery Themes: Food Production and Security, Foods for Health, and Energy and Environment. The college offers tremendous opportunities for collaborative programs through its teaching, research, and outreach programs located on two campuses (Columbus and Wooster), through offices in each county, and through its network of research/laboratory facilities across the state. The college’s strong and sustained partnerships with all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners provide enormous opportunities for scientists to build strong, sustainable programs of excellence.

The CFAES-Wooster Campus (https://wooster.osu.edu/home) is located in Wooster, which was recognized as a 2017 Money Magazine Best Places to Live and one of 2017-2018 Ohio’s Best Hometowns by Ohio magazine. Serving as the county seat, the Wooster community boasts an excellent school system, a vibrant downtown, three colleges, a world-class community-owned hospital, a portfolio of growing businesses serving the global economy, and a network of volunteers and organizations dedicated to helping individuals succeed. Nestled in rolling farmland and natural scenery, CFAES-Wooster Campus is renowned for its Secrest Arboretum (https://secrest.osu.edu/), and scenic Mohican State Park and historic Malabar Farm are among other nearby attractions. More information about living and working in Wooster can be found at woosteroh.com.

Commitment to Diversity: The Ohio State University is committed to establishing a culturally and intellectually diverse environment, and encouraging all members of our learning community to reach their full potential. We are responsive to dual-career families and strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. We are an NSF Advance Institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with education and experience. Application deadline: Application review will begin January 15, 2021, but applications will be accepted until a successful applicant has been identified.

Application Instructions: Candidates should submit:

• a cover letter of intent stating professional goals and interests and includes the statements below:
• a statement of teaching philosophy and experience
• a statement of research interests
• a statement on the ways the applicant approaches diversity and inclusion
• contact information (i.e., full name, institution, phone, email) of at least three references who might be contacted in person or to write a letter of reference
• academic transcripts from all universities/colleges attended
• a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae that includes publications and previous/current sources of funding

Send information to: Dr. Jeffrey L. Firkins 223 Animal Science Building 2029 Fyffe Court Columbus, OH 43210 (614)688-3089, firkins.1@osu.edu

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.