Assistant Professor - Ruminant Nutr & Mgmt-Beef

Department of Animal Science
Assistant Professor, Ruminant Nutrition and Management-Beef
Term: 9-month, tenure-track
Reports to: Animal Science Department Head
College/Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus Location: St. Paul Campus

Position Overview
Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, tenure-track (9-month) position with Extension (60%) and research (40%) responsibilities involving beef cattle nutrition and management. The individual in this position will work closely with Minnesota beef producers and University of Minnesota (UMN) faculty and students to conduct Extension and research in one or more areas of beef production systems including feedlot management, post-weaning nutrition, and improving the economic, environmental, and/or social sustainability of feedlot operations in the Upper Midwest. The successful candidate may focus their research efforts toward, but not limited to, one or more of the following areas: nutrient and management requirements for beef cattle production while reducing environmental impact, developing and/or testing alternative feeds and feed additives in backgrounding and finishing diets, improving efficiency of MN beef production, promoting animal health and well-being through nutritional and management strategies from weaning to harvest, and/or enhancing nutritional benefits of beef. The tenure home of this position is in the Department of Animal Science (http://ansci.umn.edu) which is
located in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) (http://www.cfans.umn.edu/). This Extension Specialist position will also have responsibilities in Extension (https://extension.umn.edu/). The successful candidate is expected to develop independent, yet collaborative, research and Extension programs and to recruit and mentor graduate students including those from diverse backgrounds. Collaboration among research and Extension faculty and with colleagues in other disciplines is expected.

Responsibilities and Expectations
The UMN Department of Animal Science is seeking applicants having the ability to establish and maintain an innovative, independent yet collaborative, and extramurally funded research program; develop and deliver impactful Extension programming; and contribute to the public service mission of the University.

Extension: 60%

• Establish strong connections with cow-calf, feedlot beef producers, meat processors, and industry partners
• Provide strong leadership and impactful Extension programming on critical issues related to ruminant nutrition and management of beef production systems
• Be an active and collaborative member of the UMN Extension Beef Team
• Publish in research and industry-relevant publications
• Serve as a resource for beef production stakeholders in Minnesota and beyond

Research: 40%

• Conduct innovative and collaborative research relative to beef nutrition, beef production systems, and feedlot management
• Obtain internal and extramural funding, support graduate student research, publish in relevant refereed journals, and achieve national and international recognition
• Contribute to research programs in ruminant nutrition, beef production systems, and feedlot management within the department; and develop interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty across the UMN and beyond
• Provide faculty leadership to the RROC Beef Facility

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in animal science or a program with a demonstrated focus on ruminant nutrition or related field completed by the time of appointment
• Demonstrated ability to propose and conduct field-based, applied, independent and collaborative research
• Evidence of communication of research results to external or scientific audiences
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Background in providing oversight to research and/or Extension programs in beef
  nutrition and feedlot management
• Evidence of obtaining extramural grant funding
• Experience in graduate student advising and mentoring
• Experience and ability to work with research and Extension teams in an interdisciplinary,
  diverse, and multicultural environment
• Evidence of utilization of innovative teaching methods and technology

Department Overview
The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) (http://www.cfans.umn.edu/) is located on the scenic St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major, with an enrollment of 360 students, is divided into five emphasis areas: Business/Industry, Companion Animal, Equine, Production, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science. Each emphasis offers a unique combination of classes to prepare students for future careers in business, production management, companion animal, equine, veterinary medicine or graduate school. Within an emphasis, students can also specialize
in a species, such as beef, companion animal, dairy, equine, poultry, swine or sheep, or develop a set of elective classes unique to their animal interests. The Animal Sciences graduate program currently has 38 graduate students. In addition to the MS and PhD degrees in Animal Science, students may also participate in the Poultry Health Certificate Program (https://poultrytraining.umn.edu/program-overviews/poultry-health-certificate-program) and/or the Masters of Applied Poultry Science
https://poultrytraining.umn.edu/program-overviews/research-masters).

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The Beef Industry
Minnesota's beef industry, with more than 800,000 cattle in inventory, generates over $1 billion in cash receipts annually and is one of the top three livestock industries in Minnesota, after swine and dairy. There are approximately 15,500 beef producers across the state with beef feedlots concentrated in western Minnesota and cow-calf herds located throughout the state. In 2020, Minnesota ranked 6th in red meat production, 8th in cattle on feed, and 9th in steers >500 pounds. Minnesota has a large and diverse agriculture industry. For more information on the agricultural economy in Minnesota, visit MN State Agriculture Rankings.

University of Minnesota Beef Research Program
The person in this position is expected to conduct research in beef cattle nutrition with focus on post-weaning stock. The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, MN, and the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC) in Rosemount, MN have beef facilities and are part of the Research and Outreach Center network of the University of Minnesota. The NCROC encompasses about 900 acres including a 150-head, registered Angus cow herd, a 60-head individual Calan door drylot facility, a 10,000 square foot backgrounding feeding facility, and a 2,500 square foot handling facility. For more information visit https://ncroc.cfans.umn.edu/. The RROC features a 30-pen research feedlot designed for 5-7 animals per pen and other larger, partially covered lots bringing total capacity to around 350-head. For more information visit https://rroc.cfans.umn.edu/about. Other facilities available for beef production systems research include the meat laboratory (Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science) as well as nutrition and other laboratories located on the St. Paul campus.

University of Minnesota Extension
UMN Extension is the major outreach arm of the University, which is a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. The mission of UMN Extension is to "make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota". The individual in this position will be a member of the UMN Extension Beef Team. This team facilitates dissemination of results derived through research. The team has been actively involved in delivering quality Extension programming to beef producers for over 25 years, establishing a solid reputation for discovering stakeholder needs through a yearly planning meeting. The team has close partnerships with the MN State Cattlemen's Association, MN Beef Council, and MN Association of Meat Processors and a history of establishing Extension programming based on industry needs. Other research and education opportunities are present through collaborations with faculty in the Departments of Animal Science, Agronomy and Plant Genetics, Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, Entomology, Food Science and Nutrition, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The team also has well-established collaborations with the MN Department of Agriculture, National Research Conservation Service, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Department of Natural Resources, Board of Animal Health, and Farm Business Management Association.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Applicants should include all required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required application materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research (maximum 1 page)
• Statement of Extension (maximum 1 page)

[Both research and extension statements should highlight accomplishments, experience
and interests]

• Diversity statement (please see below*)
• Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references. References will be contacted only for those applicants judged most appropriate.

Send direct inquiries about the position to: Ruminant Nutrition and Management-Beef Search Committee, Dept. of Animal Science, Krishona Martinson, Chair, 1364 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, krishona@umn.edu, 612-624-3063. Inquiries about the search process may be directed to Kim Reno, Dept. of Animal Science Administrative Director, renox001@umn.edu, 612-624-7453. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624- UOHR (8647).

Submit applications by October 21, 2024 to ensure full consideration.

*Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials) *
Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all of our academic programs. Please visit the CFANS Office for Inclusive Excellence (OIE) to view the college's definition of diversity.

Please, provide a diversity statement that details your professional experiences in DEI.
Experiences may include:
* Working with diverse communities or local organizations
* Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your professional career
* Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your research
* Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).