Assistant Professor - Meat Science

Position Title: Assistant Professor – Meat Science

Department: Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Auburn University

The Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University (www.auburn.edu) is seeking applications for a dynamic individual to serve in the position of Assistant Professor of Meat Science. The position (40% instruction, 60% Research) is a nine-month, tenure-track position. Instructional needs will be based on current and future courses aimed at preparing students within the field of meat sciences, as well as on other departmental instructional needs aligned with the applicant’s area of expertise. The projected start date is August 1, 2027.

Responsibilities: The individual will be expected to develop a competitive and nationally recognized, instructional and research program focused on Meat Science. The successful candidate will contribute to success of the animal sciences department through innovative instructional methods and research activities. The research program should focus on research supported by extramural funding in areas of post-harvest red meat production. The instructional program will consist of selected undergraduate and graduate meat science courses. The candidate is expected to teach classes focused on meat sciences at the undergraduate and graduate level. The candidate will actively recruit and mentor graduate students and enhance experiential learning opportunities through laboratory instruction, student organizations, judging and academic teams, industry engagement activities, and undergraduate research experiences. The successful candidate should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with faculty and staff within the College of Agriculture, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and Alabama Cooperative Extension System, as appropriate. The candidate is expected to develop strong partnerships with industry stakeholders and professional peers while building a visible national program that advances Auburn University's leadership in meat science research and education. The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Animal Sciences faculty and contribute extensively to the expansion of applied learning experiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Earned a Ph.D. in Meat Science, Meat Processing, Muscle Biology, Food Science, Food Safety, Animal Science, or a closely related discipline by the time employment begins.
2. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research relevant to meat science and/or food systems.
3. Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential to establish an extramurally funded research program.
4. Demonstrated commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
5. Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
6. Eligibility to work in the United States at the time the appointment begins and continue working legally for the term of employment.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Expertise in one or more of the following areas: meat quality and postmortem muscle biology; food safety and microbial interventions; meat processing and product development; ingredient functionality and formulation; shelf-life and packaging technologies; or related areas of meat science.
2. Postdoctoral training and/or relevant industry experience.
3. A record of securing or strong potential to secure extramural funding.
4. Evidence of scholarly publication and research productivity.
5. Experience teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Applicants must apply through the AU employment website and upload the following documents:

1.  Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the position's responsibilities
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Statement of research and teaching philosophy
4. All academic transcripts
5. List of three professional references including names, email address and phone numbers

Only completed application materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by January 6, 2027. The search may continue until the position is filled.  Questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Jason Sawyer, Search Committee Chair (jts0109@auburn.edu).

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