We're Hiring!

Position Function:

The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences is seeking an Asst. Professor of Practice and livestock judging team coach to teach applied courses in animal evaluation and lead a nationally competitive livestock judging program. The position is a 12-month, non-tenure track position. The successful candidate will have a 100% instruction appointment.

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, 40 graduate students, and 26 faculty, both on the main campus and at Research and Extension Centers throughout Mississippi. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Pre-Vet/Science, Pre-Vet Med Tech, Production Management, Business and Industry and newly approved Food Science. Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Animal and Dairy Sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200 acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and 1,200 acre Bearden Research Dairy. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state of the art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses and process into wholesale and retail cuts. The new Animal and Dairy Sciences building opened in 2019. This 38,000 square foot facility houses three teaching areas including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms as well as research laboratories and animal rooms for teaching and research needs. The South Farm is home to our new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory opening in Fall 2025. Our research and teaching herds include dairy, beef, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and swine on the Mississippi State University main campus.

Area of Specialization:

Livestock Evaluation and Judging

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 16, 2026. 

Tenure Track Status:

N/A. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The individual will be expected to instruct undergraduate students and direct a nationally competitive program focused on livestock evaluation. Additional courses will be determined based on departmental needs. Responsibilities include coaching the livestock judging team, traveling to competitive events, and coordinating state and regional livestock judging events at both youth and collegiate levels. Active involvement with the livestock judging program is expected throughout the year including summer activities to build a robust and thriving program. The successful candidate should be able to effectively recruit students and raise and budget funds to support the livestock judging team. This includes active engagement with prospective, current, and past supporters and alumni of the livestock judging program. A collaborative approach with stakeholders and fellow members of the department and college is essential. Additional duties include service on departmental and university committees, departmental recruiting and orientation events, participation in departmental clubs and activities, undergraduate advising, directing or assisting with summer camps, conducting workshops and occasionally giving tours to prospective students.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. B.S. degree or advanced degree in Animal Science or related field plus ten or more years of experience in coaching and/or teaching at the collegiate level.
2. Collegiate livestock judging experience
3. Knowledge and experience in livestock management and animal husbandry
4. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to foster a team atmosphere

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes. 

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Previous experience competing on a competitive or coaching intercollegiate livestock judging team
2. Demonstrated commitment to excellence in instruction and capability to develop innovative, effective methods of teaching undergraduate courses
3. Ability to reach youth audiences through creative and inclusive outreach and recruitment efforts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate will excel in conflict prevention and resolution, creative and strategic thinking, people skills, strong commitment to student development and success, emotional intelligence, mentoring and advising experience, and interest in professional development.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

The majority of the work is performed in a classroom environment. Some duties include hands on instruction at the university farm units, 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.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter that outlines teaching, and recruitment and retention goals, current curriculum vitae, transcripts, and complete contact information for at least three professional references. 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. Any inquiries should be addressed to Dr. Brandi Karisch, brandi.karisch@msstate.edu. Review of applications will begin June 4, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Screening Date:

June 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.