Position Function:
The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences is currently seeking an Assistant Professor for a 9-month tenure track (40% teaching, 60% research) position with an emphasis in applied animal behavior and well-being.
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 620 undergraduate students, 48 graduate students and 26 faculty, both on campus and at research and extension centers throughout Mississippi. The department is housed in a new Animal and Dairy Sciences building on the MSU campus adjacent to the MSU Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory, which is conveniently located less than one mile from the H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center. In addition, the Bearden Dairy Research Center is located within 12 miles of campus. Opportunities also exist at four off-campus beef cattle research stations at Prairie, Raymond, Newton and Poplarville, Mississippi, to conduct collaborative research and programming. More information is available at the departmental website at https://www.ads.msstate.edu/ . Species in the current herd are horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, beef cattle and dairy cattle.
Area of Specialization:
Animal Behavior and Well Being
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally recognized teaching and research program in their discipline of national and international recognition that contributes to and complements the existing research strengths of the department. Research responsibilities will be in the areas of human/animal bond, animal behavior, animal well-being, and auditing/assessment of animal well-being in production environments across livestock species. A strong emphasis will be placed on the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, interact and collaborate with colleagues. A collaborative and collegial approach with faculty and staff in the department, college, and university and with external partners and stakeholders is essential while operating within the values of Mississippi State University and the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences.
The successful candidate will be expected to pursue and secure extramural funding in support of their research program. Research results will be communicated via stakeholder and end-user meetings, Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) bulletins, refereed journal articles, and other publications as appropriate. Teaching responsibilities will be determined based on departmental needs and include undergraduate and graduate courses with opportunities for new course development.
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to service through activities such as participation in department, college, and university committees and via service to appropriate professional associations. The successful candidate should be able to effectively advise undergraduate students and train graduate students.
This position will be based in Starkville, MS, but may require occasional travel to other MSU and partner locations as needed. The successful candidate will work cooperatively with faculty and staff based in the Research and Extension Centers as well as other MSU locations.
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. in Animal Science or a closely related field. Candidate areas of interest may include but are not limited to various aspects of physiology (nutrition, exercise, reproduction, environmental) and/or interest in horse-human interaction.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional experience and commitment to excellence in research and instruction and demonstrated successful research 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:
Candidates must have excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to foster a collaborative and collegial atmosphere.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The majority of the work is performed in a classroom or lab environment. Some duties include hands on instruction, 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.jobs.msstate.edu, and will be required to submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and transcripts of all degrees. Please include a statement of teaching and research philosophies. Names and contact information for 3 professional references are also required. 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. Inquires can be emailed to Dr. Clay Cavinder at cc2944@msstate.edu. Application reviews will begin March 4, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Screening Date:
March 4, 2026, 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.
