Assistant/Associate Professor of Animal Growth & Muscle Biology

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Assistant/Associate Professor of Animal Growth & Muscle Biology

The Pennsylvania poultry industry ranks 4th, and the pork industry ranks 12th in production in the United States. Additionally, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, meat, poultry, and fish products produced in the Commonwealth generate $4.3 billion in annual sales. Additionally, almost 70% of Pennsylvania's agriculture income is generated by livestock and livestock products. The Department of Animal Science at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, invites applications for a tenure-line faculty position in Animal Growth and Muscle Biology with 75% research and 25% teaching. Candidates will be considered for appointment at the Assistant Professor level. This is a full-time, 36-week appointment.

The successful candidate is expected to develop and lead a robust, externally funded research program focused on animal growth and muscle biology. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, muscle development, growth regulation, meat quality, genetic and nutritional influences on muscle biology, muscle foods, including meat science, food safety and biosecurity.

The successful applicant will mentor graduate students, including supervising graduate student research. The faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in animal science, with a focus on animal growth, and muscle biology. Courses taught may include swine production management, an undergraduate animal growth and development course and a graduate level course in muscle growth and development, dependent on faculty expertise and departmental needs.

As a member of the faculty, the successful candidate will be expected to engage in appropriate service and professional activities within and outside the Department. Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential. The Department is especially interested in candidates who, through their research and education efforts, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community at Penn State.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Animal Science, Muscle Biology, Meat Science, or closely related field and have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date. Candidates must have a good record of academic outputs, strong potential to secure external funding, experience with formal or non-formal instruction, and plans to develop an innovative research program that will lead to important discoveries related to muscle growth, especially where research results will impact the quality and palatability of meat products produced from animals. Preference will be give to candidates with past work with swine management and/or pork production with a meat quality focus.

The Department of Animal Science at Penn State (https://animalscience.psu.edu/) includes 34 faculty members and is home to internationally recognized programs in animal nutrition reproduction, physiology, and genetics. The 16,000 sq. ft., USDA-inspected meat laboratory is located on campus and supports a wide variety of teaching, research, and extension activities throughout the year. In addition to the meat laboratory, the department has a full complement of poultry, swine, dairy, beef, sheep, and deer research and education facilities with herds and flocks used for research, teaching, and extension.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. An attractive benefits package is available. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a statement of teaching philosophy, and names and contact information for at least three professional references. Applicants should provide evidence, either woven through their application materials or as a separate diversity statement, of a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and engagement which creates an inclusive environment. Review of applications will begin on March 17, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. For questions about this position, please contact Dr. Lisa Holden (lah7@psu.edu).

Apply online to job REQ_0000063378 at https://hr.psu.edu/careers.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages and educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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