Assistant/Associate Professor - Climate Change Mitigation Systems for Animal Agriculture (tenure-system)

Michigan State University seeks a full-time Assistant/Associate Professor in Climate Change Mitigation Systems for Animal Agriculture. The role involves 60% research, 30% Extension, and 10% service, focusing on developing sustainable solutions for animal agriculture amidst climate challenges. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a related field, with experience in research and outreach. The position starts in August 2025 and requires collaboration across disciplines.
Position Description

The Departments of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering (BAE) and Animal Science (ANS) at Michigan State University invite applications for a full‐time, 12-month tenure-system Assistant/Associate Professor with a 60% research, 30% Extension, and 10% service assignment, with an anticipated split of 60:40 between BAE and ANS. The position start date is anticipated to be August 2025.

Design, optimization, and evaluation of emerging carbon and water/air quality management practices and technologies that holistically consider animal agriculture systems and environmental impacts are essential to develop resilient solutions to cross-cutting climate challenges threatening the sustainability of animal agriculture operations. Systems integration, risk assessments, and decision support tools are crucial to developing practical solutions that are economically advantageous for the industry, beneficial for the public, and positively impactful on the regulatory and policy domain. Scaling up potential technologies and management practices within commercial animal agriculture systems represents critical needs and opportunities. The Departments seek a faculty member who will build a transformative research and outreach program that advances science, technology, and the state-of-practice in these important areas.

Required Qualifications

An earned Ph.D. in Biosystems/Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related field, with credentials, expertise, and/or experience in Animal Science and/or animal agriculture. A demonstrated record of activities in research, outreach, and service relevant to the position. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability and commitment to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative scholarly program at the intersection of engineering and animal science.

Desired Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Capability to develop a scholarly program (Research and Extension) at the interface of engineering and animal sciences.
• Effectively communicate and ensure dissemination of research- based information through various methods, including multi-media, distance education technologies and work collaboratively with Extension Educators, Work Teams and allied industry
• Evidence of commitment and dedication to mentoring a diverse student population preparing for careers in academia, industry, or government.
• A record of research funding or demonstrated potential to secure competitive funding from agencies such as the USDA NIFA, NSF, EPA, foundations, etc.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications and the ability to establish stakeholder partnerships.

The Departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) and Animal Science (ANS): The BAE and ANS Departments are housed in neighboring buildings, with existing shared laboratory facilities and a strong history of collaboration. BAE has been fully engaged in meeting the changing needs of society since 1906, with a current mission to improve the quality of life by integrating and applying principles of engineering and biology to systems involving food, environment, energy, and health. The BAE Department has a strong existing portfolio of faculty working on animal agriculture and climate-related challenges, including bio-based renewable energy, manure management, and water quality, which form a supportive environment for the success of the new hire. The ANS Department mission is creating, advancing, and extending knowledge benefitting humans, animals, food production agriculture, sustainable systems management, and the environment. The Department has existing faculty working on regenerative agriculture and sustainable livestock production systems that emphasize animal well-being and environmental stewardship.

MSU's AgBioResearch maintains more than 30 research and outreach centers throughout Michigan, and recent investments exceeding $100 million demonstrate the university's commitment to agriculture and natural resources facilities. Michigan-specific funding opportunities including Project GREEEN, Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, and the Bayer New Initiatives Fund for Sustainable Agriculture provide unique avenues for funding new research concepts.

MSU Extension has allocations across Michigan with staff working in all 83 counties. MSU Extension academic staff have focused areas of expertise and work collaboratively with nearly 100 MSU faculty with extension appointments. Unique funding opportunities for Michigan specific extension activities include Project GREEEN, Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, along with multiple commodity related sources of support. The newly completed Extension Strategic Direction will provide programmatic direction to support Michigan residents implement research and evidence-based information to improve their lives and businesses.

Location

The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU's dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found athttp://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Creating a Sense of Belonging:

Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg - Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi people. The University resides on Land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.

Michigan State University is dedicated to achieving excellence by fostering an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Community Norms at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering and Animal Science Community Norms at ANS Community Norms - Department of Animal Science.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (Benefits).

To Apply

For consideration, submit your application online. Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position; b) statement of research and extension philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); c) current curriculum vitae; d) a description of how you will contribute to CANR's positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging; and e) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of Applications: The search committee will begin reviewing applications on February 17, 2025 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair:

Dr. Wei Liao
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
liaow@msu.edu

APPLY NOW

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees' work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.