INTRODUCTION

The Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor in Animal Science. Candidates with teaching and research interests in animal production are encouraged to apply. This is a 9-month, 75% teaching, 25% research, tenure-track position at UConn’s main campus in Storrs with an anticipated start date of Fall 2025.

The Department of Animal Science includes 18 faculty and 23 staff members. Faculty expertise includes growth physiology, genetics and genomics, reproductive physiology, animal nutrition, equine science, poultry and livestock production, animal biotechnology, food science and microbiology, and meat science and muscle biology. The Storrs campus houses AAALAC-accredited farms (beef and dairy cattle, sheep, poultry, swine, and horses), and a commercial creamery that supports research, teaching, and extension. The Department has approximately 440 undergraduate majors pursuing AAS and BS degrees and 40 graduate students pursuing M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. In addition to classroom instruction, the undergraduate curricula include experiential learning, study abroad opportunities, and undergraduate research programs.

VISION AND MISSION

CAHNR has implemented a Strategic Vision to guide the development and focus of our teaching, research, and Extension programs in the years 2020-2025. All faculty and technical staff are expected to contribute to one or multiple strategic priorities outlined below, as per their interests and expertise (https://cahnr.uconn.edu/visionandvalues).

• Ensuring a vibrant agricultural industry and sustainable food supply.
• Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally.
• Dismantling structural racism and fostering environments that advance racial equity and inclusion.
• Belonging by advocating for antiracist policies, practices, and norms.
• Fostering sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces.
• Advancing resilience and adaptation in a changing climate.

The University and CAHNR prioritize scholarship in areas that impact quality of life, including human, animal, plant, and environmental health and sustainability. We encourage and provide support for cross-disciplinary, collaborative scholarship across the College, University, nation, and globe. UConn is committed to Life Transforming Education for students and Extension audiences. UConn is recognized as one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly campuses by the Sierra Club.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the success of the Department of Animal Science through teaching and research activities, experiential learning opportunities, and the use of the animal resources available on the UConn Storrs campus. The teaching component of this position will consist of undergraduate courses in livestock production and management and other related courses. The assigned courses will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience, but could include introductory and upper-level courses, with both lecture and lab components. The candidate will be expected to advise undergraduate students, engage with undergraduates in extracurricular activities, and provide opportunities for experiential learning beyond the classroom. The ideal candidate will establish a sustainable, extramurally funded research program in livestock production utilizing the animal resources available on the UConn Storrs campus, advise or co-advise graduate students, and publish refereed articles. The candidate will be expected to collaborate with existing faculty within the Department and CAHNR and contribute to the academic community through services within and outside the University. We seek candidates who will promote the application of critical research to livestock production. The research focus may include nutrition, physiology, reproduction, and genetics, among others. A commitment to promoting diversity through academic programs is also expected.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in animal science, dairy science, or a closely related field. Equivalent foreign degrees are accepted.
• Demonstrated knowledge of livestock production.
• Demonstrated experience in undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated experience in livestock research.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication and strong interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Productive record of scholarship in research and/or teaching at the university level that would strengthen current department initiatives.
• Skills and experience with grant writing to secure extramural funding.
• Demonstrated experience working with the livestock industry.
• Knowledge of teaching and learning theories and models.
• Demonstrated experience with experiential learning techniques.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, 75% teaching, 25% research, tenure-track Assistant Professor position at the University of Connecticut’s main campus located in Storrs. The anticipated start date is August 23, 2025. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to UConn Jobs at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs Search #498746 to upload the following additional application materials: 

• A cover letter summarizing how your qualifications and experience meet the position requirements (1 page),
• Curriculum vitae,
• Teaching philosophy  (1 page),
• Statement of Research Interests (1 page),
• Diversity statement, including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction, and applying effective pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of a diverse student population (1 page),
• Names and contact information for at least three references. Finalists will be notified prior to contacting references.

Only complete applications will be considered. Evaluation of applicants will begin December 1, 2024, and will continue until a successful candidate is selected. Inquiries should be sent by email to the search committee chair, Dr. Amy Safran (amy.safran@uconn.edu).

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp. 

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.