Job Title

Processing - Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

Poultry Science

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

Develop programs to disseminate information, provide educational training opportunities for stakeholders, and conduct applied research to assist small flock and niche producers, as well as the commercial poultry industry, with challenges related to quality and safety of poultry products.  Potential research could include, but is not limited to, poultry processing methods and equipment, value-added consumer poultry products, poultry product quality, microbiology and food safety, quality of conversion of muscle to poultry products, factors influencing poultry product quality, and other areas of critical importance to the future of the poultry sector. Extension outreach could include, but is not limited to, processing workshops, trainings, publications, manuals, and certification programs in areas such as HAACP and best management practices for processing sanitation and food safety.  The faculty member will also be expected to conduct an applied research program to support their outreach programs.   In addition, departmental, college, and university committee service will be expected.

Position Responsibilities: 

• Develop programs to disseminate information, provide educational training opportunities for stakeholders, and conduct applied research to assist small flock and niche producers, as well as the commercial poultry industry, with challenges related to quality and safety of poultry products.
• Create and conduct an effective, nationally recognized, and externally funded extension education program for the poultry industry and the people of Texas.
• Engage with poultry industry professionals, small or alternative producers, backyard flock owners, and government agencies, and cooperate in outreach activities relevant to stakeholders.
• Build strong professional relationships with allied agencies/firms and serve as a principal resource for interpreting policy concerning the poultry industry
• Provide state and regional leadership in these topic areas through interactions with industry personnel and/or small flock owners, governmental agencies, county-based extension agents, and extension specialists.
• Establish a nationally recognized, extramurally funded extension-based research program.
• Graduate student mentoring to obtain these extension and research goals is essential.  
• Effectively communicate pertinent scientific knowledge to poultry industry stakeholders, regulatory officials, and other related clientele; publish in peer-reviewed journals; and participate in national and regional professional organizations actively. 
• Participate in youth related extension programming in support of the department’s mission in youth education.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Muscle Biology, Food Engineering, or related field disciplines by the expected position start date of January 1, 2025.
• Ability to travel up to 30% and willingness to work with poultry industry stakeholders in support of the land grant mission.    
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences.
• The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience.
• Evidence of individual and/or collaborative extension and research efforts resulting in extramural grants, peer-reviewed research and extension publications, popular press articles, and oral presentations at scientific meetings and extension events is preferred.
• Experience in research and outreach programs for poultry processing, post-harvest food safety, muscle/protein biology or closely related field.
• Prior outreach experience with stakeholder interaction.
• Training in extension or teaching methods.
• HACCP certification/training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellence in verbal and written communication, including a relevant publication record.
• Team-building skills, collaboration capacity, and project management abilities.
• Strong communication skills.
• Highly organized
• Professional demeanor
• Ability to multi-task and establish effective working relationships.
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Muscle Biology, Food Engineering, or related field disciplines by the expected position start date of January 1, 2025.
• Ability to travel up to 30% and willingness to work with poultry industry stakeholders in support of the land grant mission.    
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences.
• The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.