Assistant Professor, Small Ruminant Production and Management

Department: Animal Sciences

Position: Assistant Professor, Small Ruminant Production and Management

Location: Columbus, Ohio or Wooster, 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 rank in Small Ruminant Production and 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 80% Extension and 20% Research.

Applicants should possess a sound basis in fundamental science, but preference will be given to applicants with interests in small ruminants including sheep and goats. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: developing educational materials and programs in conjunction with OSU Extension professionals for educating and training sheep and goat producers and conducting applied research on small ruminant production and management. In addition, the position will assist with youth livestock program areas as assigned in coordination with Animal Sciences faculty/staff members and OSU Extension professionals who provide leadership for 4-H programs; assists faculty and staff in undergraduate student recruitment as required; assists with departmental involvement in agricultural and animal industry events; partners with Extension specialists, Extension educators and program assistants, and other educational organizations, agencies, and volunteers in the state and region in programmatic endeavors.

Expectations: One of the key missions of CFAES is to assist in the production of animal protein, fiber and other products from livestock. This position plays a large role in working with Ohioans who raise sheep and goats for meat, fiber, and milk production; both doing research in and educating in all aspects related to efficient production, longevity, and the animal’s ability to convert feedstuffs into high quality animal protein for human consumption, with excellent taste and tenderness. This position ultimately is mission-focused on quality food production and applied research in the area of sheep and goat production.

This position supports our Extension/outreach and research missions, particularly through adult and youth education via Extension meetings and working with Extension Educators via train-the-trainer programs. Funding provided by the industry to support this program will allow for effective research and educational programming in a timely manner to assist the industry by providing research-proven production practices.

This position supports our long-term strategic objective of continuing to be a strong outreach unit and maintaining and supporting student numbers (as 4-H is a strong gateway program for introduction to the benefits of higher education and ongoing learning). In addition, it aligns with our objectives of supporting Extension youth programming and working with key stakeholder groups.

This position complements efforts of other personnel in the Department of Animal Sciences, who provide Extension and research programming in other species areas. In addition, the position will be expected to be a liaison to the sheep and goat industries in Ohio – representing the Department at key commodity group meetings and helping organize and hold field days, such as the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium and Ohio Sheep Day. There is an expectation that the person will obtain external funding for their research and extension activities.

It is anticipated that this position will be supported by an annual $25,000 current endowment fund for research, provided by the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program (OSWP). In addition, it should be noted that there is a growing market for both lamb and goat meat as a result of growing ethnic populations in Ohio, and this may provide opportunities for both potential partnerships and funding in the future.

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 outreach 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.

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 May 7, 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

Application materials should be submitted to (PDF format):

https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers  

Refer to job opening R11846

Questions should be directed to:

Dr. Steve Boyles

315 Plumb Hall

2027 Coffey Road

Columbus, OH 43210

(614)292-7669, boyles.4@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.