Position Function:
The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences is currently seeking an Assistant Professor for a 9-month tenure track (40% research, 60% teaching) position in Meat Science with an emphasis in applied research. The teaching and research area of interest for this position should encompass harvest, fabrication, further processing technologies and carcass evaluation.
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 625 undergraduate students, 48 graduate students and 25 faculty members, both on campus and at research and extension centers throughout Mississippi. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities at multiple on campus locations, including the 1,200-acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center located adjacent to campus and 1,200-acre Bearden Research Dairy located 10 min away. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory is in the same building complex as the Animal and Dairy Science Building and Poultry Science Building. The Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state-of-the-art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses, process wholesale and retail cuts, and produce value-added products. Opened in 2019, the 38,000 sq. ft. Animal and Dairy Sciences building supports the department’s teaching and research missions with three instructional spaces, including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms, along with research laboratories and animal rooms.
Area of Specialization:
Meat Science
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, pursue extramural funds in support of research aims and publish results in peer reviewed research journals. In addition to maintaining an active research program, a strong emphasis will be placed on the demonstrated ability to communicate and teach effectively, interact and collaborate with colleagues and to operate as a member of a research team. Establishment of a strong record of securing extramural funding and developing scholarly publications and presentations is expected. Teaching responsibilities will be determined based on departmental needs and include undergraduate and graduate courses with opportunities for new course development. The successful candidate should be able to effectively advise undergraduate students and train graduate students. A collaborative and collegial approach with faculty and staff in the department, college, and university and with external partners and stakeholders is essential. 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. in Animal Science or a close related field with an emphasis in meat science, muscle growth and development, muscle biology and/or pre- or post-harvest red meat food safety. Candidates must have excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to foster a positive team atmosphere.
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. Candidates should have a working knowledge of meat production in a federally inspected plant including working knowledge of HACCP and experience in working with industry partners.
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, 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 research and teaching 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. Xue Zhang at xz206@msstate.edu. Application reviews will begin March 15, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Screening Date:
March 15, 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.
