Job Announcements

Position: Assistant/Associate Professor Beef Cow-Calf Nutrition and Management

Department of Animal Sciences and Industry Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Appointment: Full-time, 12-month, Tenure-Track position;

47.5% Research, 47.5% Teaching, 5% Service

Position Overview:

We are seeking applicants for Assistant/Associate Professor Beef Cow-Calf Nutrition and Management. This position is designed for an individual with a strong background in ruminant nutrition and a passion for advancing the science and practice of cattle nutrition and management. The incumbent will develop an active research program relevant to cow/calf nutrition and management. Responsibilities include service as the faculty manager of the Cow-Calf Unit. Teaching emphasis will include undergraduate courses in beef cattle management, graduate courses within discipline expertise, and other courses based on expertise and departmental need including both in-person and online formats. Mentoring undergraduate students with interest in beef cow/calf production is expected. The position requires 5% of time devoted to service activities such as participation on departmental, college, and university committees; participation in professional organizations; and contributing to the public good, consistent with K-State’s land-grant mission.

The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is the largest department (approximately 1,200 undergraduates and 60 graduate students) in Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture. The department’s Cow-Calf Unit currently operates on approximately 2,000 deeded acres, 3,000 leased acres of native tallgrass prairie, and 1,000-1,300 acres of cover crops. The herd consists of approximately 325 commercial cows, 130 heifers, and 15 breeding bulls.Opportunities exist to collaborate with other beef cattle facilities within the K-State system including the Purebred Beef Unit, Agricultural Research Center-Hays, Southeast Research-Extension Center-Parsons, Feedlot/Stocker Units, and Konza Prairie. Opportunities also exist for collaboration with research involving cow-calf interactions with ecological health and function, prescribed fire, and control of invasive forage species.

Position Available: December 6, 2026 (negotiable)

Responsibilities:

Research (47.5%):

• Faculty manager of the Cow/Calf Unit.

• Develop an active research program relevant to cow/calf nutrition and management; collaborative and systems research is desirable.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and industry stakeholders to translate research findings into practical applications.

Teaching (47.5%):

• Teach undergraduate courses in beef cattle management, and graduate courses within the discipline expertise of the individual.

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students with a specific interest in cow/calf nutrition and management.

Service (5.0%):

• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees, shared governance, and administrative roles not otherwise assigned.

• Participate in professional organizations.

• Contribute to the public good, consistent with K-State’s land-grant mission.

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. at the time of hire in Animal Science or a closely related field. The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

• Practical knowledge and experience in beef cow/calf production.

• Ability to develop and lead a relevant research program and secure extramural funding.

• Aptitude and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven record of research activity in ruminant nutrition and cow-calf management, consistent with experience level.

• Experience in research with grazing/forage-fed cattle.

• Demonstrated success in university-level teaching.

• Evidence of being a successful team member and leader, including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, staff, students, industry stakeholders, and research teams.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
• A valid driver’s license at the time of employment

How to Apply:

Applicants should complete the application process through K-State’s PageUp recruiting system at https://careers.k-state.edu/ and upload the following:

1. Letter of interest to include how your expertise aligns with the position, including research interests and goals as well as teaching and mentoring philosophies (2-3 pages)

1. Curriculum vitae

1. Name and contact information for three professional references

For more information, contact:

Dr. Evan Titgemeyer, Search Committee Chair, at etitgeme@ksu.edu

Closing Date:

September 8, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University is a land grant university located in Manhattan, KS, with a current student population of more than 20,000. The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University is a world leader, known for its reputable research dedicated to animal agriculture and its training of quality undergraduate and graduate students. Beef production is a huge contributor to the Kansas economy, and the importance of agriculture to the state of Kansas isclearly recognized by the guiding document for Kansas State University as it moves forward: K-State’s Plan for Economic Prosperity in Kansas (https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/). Foundational focus areas of global leadership for K-State include Food and Agricultural Systems Innovation, DigitalAgriculture and Advanced Analytics, and Biosecurity and Biodefense.