POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Beef Cattle Genomics

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture


 

Position: Assistant Professor (12-month, tenure-track; 70% Research, 30% Extension) in Beef Cattle Genomics.

 

Responsibilities and Expectations: The Department of Animal Science and Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture seek an individual to join the UTIA Genomics Center for the Advancement of Agriculture to establish a strong research and extension program focused in the field of beef cattle genomics. The successful candidate will be charged with developing a nationally recognized research program aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of beef production through the application of genomic science. The individual will be encouraged to develop a research program that encompasses the continuum between basic and applied science with an appreciation of how disciplines such as genetics, nutrition, immunology, microbiology, and physiology can be integrated to further our understanding of animal biology. Responsibilities will also include the mentoring and training of graduate and undergraduate students in the classroom, laboratory, and field research. The individual will develop and deliver an active county-based extension program that promotes the advancement of genomic science and stimulates the implementation of research outcomes within the beef industry. Outreach efforts will include the dissemination of information to county Extension agents and other specialists, assist in implementation of statewide 4-H programs, and establish and maintain a strong working relationship with organizations and industries associated with the Tennessee beef industry. The candidate will be jointly appointed in the Departments of Animal Science and Large Animal Clinical Sciences and will participate in other activities such as committee service, recruitment, and advancement.

 

Qualifications: Candidates must have an earned doctoral degree in Animal Science or a closely related field (e.g. DVM) with significant training in genetics/genomics and demonstrated knowledge of the US beef industry. Applicants with postdoctoral research experience in an appropriate discipline are preferred. The individual must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, demonstrate a passion for scientific research, mentoring students, and have a substantial record of scholarly activity including but not limited to extramurally-funded research and publications in peer-reviewed journals or demonstrated potential. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. All applicants must be qualified to obtain authorization to work in the US on a long-term basis.

 

About the University and Department

The flagship campus of The University of Tennessee system has an enrollment of more than 27,000 students and is located in Knoxville. The City of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, varied nightlife, active neighborhoods, and eclectic shopping and restaurants. UT is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains. The Departments of Animal Science and Large Animal Clinical Science focus on a diverse blend of applied and basic life sciences ultimately aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of animal agriculture. The departments' activities are accomplished by a combined 49 faculty members along with numerous professionals and support staff both on the Knoxville campus and satellite locations across Tennessee. Approximately 600 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Animal Science Bachelor of Science degree program with academic concentrations in animal industries, biosciences, and pre­ veterinary medicine. Approximately 350 students are enrolled in the professional DVM curriculum.

Undergraduates and professional students participate in research and creative achievement alongside graduate students. Ample opportunities are available for establishing collaborative and interdisciplinary activities with faculty members in other departments in UTIA including the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Genome Science & Technology program, as well as personnel at the nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Additional information about the Departments can be found at https://ag.tennessee.edu/animalscience/Pages/default.aspx and htt:ps://vetmed.tennessee.edu/departments /Pages/Large Animal Clinical Sciences.aspx

 

Faculty have access to ample resources for -omics research (genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, etc.) within UTIA and the UT system, including the new UTIA Genomics Center for Advancement of Agriculture. Multiple resources are also available across campus as core facilities such as the Advanced Microscopy and Imaging Center, Biological and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Core (BSMMSC), Center for Environmental Biotechnology (CEB) Bioimaging Center, UTIA Genomcis Hub, and UT Genomics Core. Additional research resources exist at 10 UT AgResearch and Education Centers across the state with support staff, and include an inventory of approximately 900 mature beef cows and associated facilities. The ETREC-JARTU Unit is a state-of-the-art research facility with over 31,465 square feet of space that includes environmentally controlled animal rooms and surgical suites with the capability to house poultry, swine, cattle, sheep, and other animals.

 

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive start-up package is available.

 

Application: Review ofapplications will commence February 15, 2020 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Applicants should submit as a single electronic PDF document containing a cover letter, a research statement describing their specific areas of interest in beef cattle genomics, a statement communicating their extension philosophy and relaying specific interests and experiences with educator development and stakeholder education in the area of genomics, official transcripts per each academic institution attended, names and contact information with affiliations for at least five individuals willing to serve as a reference, and a detailed curriculum vitae conveying education along with relevant research, teaching, outreach, and service activities to:

 

Dr. Jonathan E. Beever Professor and Director

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Department of Animal Science

352 Brehm Animal Science Building 2506 River Drive

Knoxville, TN 37996-4588

 

Phone: 865-974-3471

Email: [email protected]

 

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.