Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist - Feedlot Nutrition and Management

The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry is the largest department (approximately 1,200 undergraduates and 100 graduate students) in Kansas State University's College of Agriculture. The Beef Complex consists of the Beef Stocker Unit, a feed intake unit, and anticipates the addition of a new 1,200 head feedyard and feed mill in the fall of 2027. We are seeking applicants for an Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist - Feedlot 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 feeding. The successful candidate will focus on extension and teaching activities aimed at improving feedlot nutrition and management practices and supporting industry stakeholders through a post-weaning to harvest systems approach.

Responsibilities:

* Extension (70%):
o Develop and deliver extension programs that provide practical, research-based information to feedlot operators and industry stakeholders.
o Conduct workshops, field days, and seminars to disseminate current knowledge on feedlot nutrition and management practices.
o Collaborate with extension agents, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to identify and address key challenges in feedlot nutrition.
o Create educational materials, such as publications, bulletins, fact sheets, and online resources, to support extension efforts.
o Provide technical support and consultation to feedlot operators and industry partners on nutrition and management-related issues.

* Teaching (20%):
o Support our undergraduate teaching program by teaching a feedlot industry course and leading our Feedlot Bootcamp.
o Mentor students with an interest in the feedlot industry.

* Research (10%):
o Collaborate and conduct applied research related to feedlot nutrition and management to address industry challenges and improve cattle feeding practices.
o Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and industry stakeholders to translate research findings into practical applications.

The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) serves students, livestock producers and the animal and food industries through teaching, research and education. The Dept. of ASI prepares students for careers in the animal and food industries.

The curriculum includes the study of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science and food science with production, management, and agribusiness skills. Students are given sound professional and scientific skills, a broad education and experience for contributing to our communities across the nation and abroad. Students receive excellent advisement and mentorship from faculty and professional staff and participate in extracurricular activities to develop skills to become industry leaders.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, Ruminant Nutrition, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in feedlot nutrition research and extension activities.
• Demonstrated experience teaching and delivering information to varying audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills among all audiences.
• Commitment to the University's land-grant mission and the K-State Next-Gen Strategic Plan https://www.k-state.edu/strategic-planning/
  
• Commitment to the needs of Kansas and regional feedlot industry.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven record of teaching and scholarly activity consistent with experience level in
  ruminant nutrition.
• Evidence of being a successful team member and leader, including the ability to
  collaborate with and/or lead a collaborative team of colleagues, staff, students, industry
  stakeholders, extension agents, and research teams.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• 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 teaching philosophy, research interests and goals, and extension philosophy and approach (2-3 pages)
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Name and contact information for three professional references

Applications close on: February 28, 2026

$90,000-$120,000