Job Title

Assistant / Associate / Full Professor Tenure-Track of Dairy Science & Director of Southwest Regional Dairy Center

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Animal Science

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

The Department of Animal Science at Tarleton State University is seeking candidates for an open-rank, tenure-track faculty position in Dairy Science and Director of the Southwest Regional Dairy Center (SWRDC) in Stephenville, Texas. This unique role combines academic responsibilities with leadership of the SWRDC, providing an opportunity to shape the future of dairy science education, research, and outreach.

This is a 10.5-month position with flexible workload requirements based on the needs of the program. Further summer appointment is dependent upon need and funding availability. Work hours: Mon-Fri; 8 AM-5 PM or as work and teaching requirements indicate. May be required to teach at other campuses or online at the institution’s discretion. Must have the ability to work remotely at the request of the university in times of inclement weather or other special circumstances. 

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellence and innovation in teaching, conduct cutting-edge research, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and oversee the operations and strategic direction of the SWRDC, including managing facilities, resources, and outreach programs. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 
 

60% Teaching and Service:  

3/3 Teaching load during the long semester only. 

Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, seminars, and/or laboratory offerings to undergraduate and/or graduate students in dairy science, including animal health, dairy production, nutrition, genetics, and management.

Develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and design assessments such as exams, quizzes, papers, etc. 

Assess student performance, provide timely feedback, and evaluate student learning outcomes to inform teaching practices and curriculum improvements. 

Engage students in active learning, foster critical thinking skills, and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning. 

Provide academic support and guidance to students through office hours, feedback on assignments, and mentoring. 

Adhere to university policies, academic integrity standards, and accreditation requirements related to teaching responsibilities. 

Incorporate innovative teaching methods, technologies, and pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.  

Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current in the field, improve teaching skills, and explore new instructional strategies.  

Collaborate with colleagues, departmental faculty, and university staff to coordinate course offerings, share resources, and contribute to program development and improvement. 

Participate in institutional service roles including but not limited to, college committees, advisory committees, student/faculty recruitment, and mentoring of new and part-time faculty. 

20% Administrative:  

Lead and manage the Dairy Center, ensuring its alignment with the university’s mission and the broader dairy industry needs.  

Assist with daily management of the Dairy Center including but not limited to facility tours and assist with facility management.

Engage in outreach and extension activities to promote dairy science advancements and engage with the broader agricultural community. 

Develop partnerships with industry professionals, agricultural organizations, and government agencies to enhance the Dairy Center’s impact and visibility.

20% Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:  

Maintain an active agenda for applied research, scholarship, or creative activity in dairy science, contributing to the advancement of the field and addressing current industry challenges.  

Make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge/creative expression in the applicant’s discipline through scholarly publication, presentation, or exhibition. 

Secure funding through grants, industry partnerships, and other resources to support research and demonstrate potential for national impact, or professional recognition.  

Minimum Requirements: 

Earned doctorate/terminal degree in Dairy Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, or related field from an accredited university

Demonstrated expertise in dairy science, including experience in dairy management, nutrition, or breeding.

Demonstrated experience teaching at the university level, with a passion for educating and mentoring students. 

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 

*Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in dairy nutrition.

Academic Rank: 

Rank will be determined by reviewing the faculty member’s record of years of experience and professional achievements in teaching, service, and research consistent with the Texas A&M system guidance.

Must have a distinguished record that warrants a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

If offered, tenure upon arrival will be granted pending approval from The Texas A&M University System.

Credit towards tenure will be assessed and offered at hire.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
Knowledge and understanding of disciplinary subject matter at a level adequate for graduate-level instruction; strong leadership and organizational skills; written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct effective teaching and research activities. Ability to interact with students, staff, faculty, industry stakeholders, and community partners in a professional, collegial, and collaborative manner. 

***Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience***  

Application Procedure: 

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via the "Submit" action. 

Employment applications must include (required): 

Completed online application 

Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications  

Curriculum Vitae or Resume 

At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information 

Unofficial transcripts 

Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must submit transcripts translated into English, along with an official credential evaluation from a recognized service.

Philosophy Statement related to Teaching, and Research – no more than 1500 words

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date Fall 2025. 

Official transcripts must be received directly from each degree‐granting institution prior to a letter of appointment being issued. 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.