Position Function:
The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences is seeking an Assistant Teaching Professor for a 9 or 12-month position (non-tenure-track, 100% teaching).
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 575 undergraduate students, 40 graduate students, and 26 faculty, both on the main campus and at Research and Extension Centers throughout Mississippi. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Pre-Vet/Science, Pre-Vet Med Tech, Production Management, Business and Industry and newly approved Food Science. Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Animal and Dairy Sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200 acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and 1,200 acre Bearden Research Dairy. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state of the art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses and process wholesale and retail cuts. The new Animal and Dairy Sciences building opened in 2019. This 38,000 square foot facility houses three teaching areas including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms as well as research laboratories and animal rooms for teaching and research needs. The South Farm is home to our new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory opening in Fall 2025. Our research and teaching herds include dairy, beef, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and swine on the Mississippi State University main campus.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2025.
Tenure Track Status:
N/A.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
General duties include teaching courses based on needs of the Department and coordinating undergraduate affairs, such as meeting with prospective students, leading orientation sessions with incoming students, directing the departmental advising program, coordinating various student events as needed, managing curriculum updates, and reviewing degree requirements. The incumbent will also work closely with the Admissions Coordinators of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to develop recruitment programs and will serve on various committees at Departmental, College, and University-levels. Preference will be given to candidates with teaching, advising, and student recruitment experience. The successful candidate will be expected to develop nationally recognized teaching programs, pursue extramural funds in support of teaching and undergraduate experiences, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. The position may include course release or additional salary or summer supplementation if the candidate also serves as undergraduate coordinator depending on the capabilities of the applicant.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. in Animal Sciences or a closely related field with a focus on an animal science discipline which complements expertise already in the Department. Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate will excel in conflict prevention and resolution, creative and strategic thinking, people skills, strong commitment to student development and success, emotional intelligence, mentoring and advising experience, and interest in professional development. A strong emphasis will be placed on demonstrated ability to communicate and teach effectively, productively interact and collaborate with colleagues as part of a team, and effectively communicate with current and prospective students.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional experience and commitment to excellence in instruction and research and demonstrated successful team collaborations are desired. Candidates with a demonstrated track record of grantsmanship and publishing in peer-reviewed journals are preferred. Experience managing student research projects, training students in research, and innovative classroom instruction are desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate will excel in conflict prevention and resolution, creative and strategic thinking, people skills, strong commitment to student development and success, emotional intelligence, mentoring and advising experience, and interest in professional development.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The majority of the work is performed in a classroom environment. Some duties include hands on instruction at the university farm units, which could involve moderate exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter that outlines teaching, and recruitment and retention goals, current curriculum vitae, transcripts, and complete contact information for at least three professional references. Official transcripts for all degrees will be required from the successful candidate. Any social security numbers on requested transcripts or other applicant documents should be redacted. Any inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Christy Bratcher at clb1371@msstate.edu. Review of applications will begin July 1, 2025. Anticipated date of appointment is August 16, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Screening Date:
July 1, 2025, until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
