Animal Systems Management - Assistant or Associate Professor

Department: Animal Sciences
Position: Animal Systems Management
Rank: Assistant or Associate Professor
Location: Columbus, Ohio

Description: The Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University seeks to employ a 9-month, tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank in Animal Systems Management to begin in the 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 50% Research and 50% Teaching.

Applicants should possess a sound basis in fundamental science, but preference will be given to applicants with interests in animal systems modeling, biometrics, or bioinformatics in dairy or other livestock production systems. Resources to support the teaching and research program of this position include a herd of Jersey cows (on the Columbus campus) and a herd of Holstein cows (on the Wooster campus). Also, there are beef cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry facilities for potential experiments and research in multiple species management systems on both campuses. Additionally, collaborative opportunities with leading industry research scientists are encouraged with Columbus’ centralized location and proximity to leading agricultural organizations.

Expectations: The successful candidate is expected to establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program supported by extramural funding. Their research discoveries should have an immediate impact on animal systems modeling that will enhance milk quality, pre-harvest food safety, animal health and welfare, the environmental compatibility of animal operations, or the economic profitability of the production of food animals. The successful candidate is also expected to collaborate with current faculty to augment the common themes within the Department, which include animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal health and welfare, animal systems and sustainability, animal products, and animal genetics and genomics; as well as, working in partnership with OSU’s multidisciplinary nutrition program OSUN (Ohio State University Nutrition) and the Translational Data Analytics Institute. An important emerging area of focus is precision livestock management which is another possible focus area for this position. With the advent and adoption of precision livestock farming (examples include automated and robotic systems, data-collecting sensors) which generate large amounts of data – this position will assist in the analysis and interpretation of large datasets. The new faculty member also is expected to work closely with Extension educators, and partners in allied animal industries towards a common goal of fulfilling The Ohio State University’s and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) missions and supporting the National One Health Initiative, which focuses on links between animal health, human health, and our environment. Teaching duties include, but are not limited to, a graduate level applied biometrics course, and other courses consistent with the area of scientific expertise. In addition, the faculty member is expected to advise graduate and undergraduate students and be involved with co-curricular programs or student clubs and organizations within the Department.

One of the key missions of CFAES is to assist in the production of animal protein from livestock. As demand
for food of animal origins increases, the impetus to address agricultural production from a biometric and statistical analysis standpoint correspondingly grows. This position will strongly support our graduate program, by combining an understanding of the biology of animals with expertise in statistical analysis. Also, with the increased use of precision technologies in food animal operations, expertise is needed to identify key data components related to the health and production of animals and to assemble data into algorithms for decision making.

Preferred Qualifications: Requirements include a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Animal Science, Biology, or a closely related field. 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 management is expected, and interaction with partners in allied animal industries is preferred. It is expected that the successful candidate will be well versed in statistical analysis methods.

Location: The College of 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 because 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.

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 March 26, 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:
o a statement of teaching philosophy and experience
o a statement of research interests
o a statement on the ways the applicant approaches diversity and inclusion
o 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

Application materials should be submitted to (PDF format):
https://osujoblinks.com/l6fm

Questions should be directed to:
Dr. Michael E. Davis
221 Plumb Hall
2027 Coffey Road
Columbus, OH 43210
(614)292-4984, davis.28@osu.edu

The Ohio State University is committed to establishing a culturally and
intellectually diverse environment, 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. 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.