Faculty Position in Agricultural Science - Animal Science

The School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Agricultural Science to begin August 2026. This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman's campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University's core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed. The position is ideal for those who wish to work with high-ability undergraduates in an experiential learning focused, liberal arts environment.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach 12 contact hours per semester in a variety of introductory and upper-level Animal Science courses and engage undergraduates in hands-on experiences with cattle and other livestock at the University Farm. Other duties include developing a research and scholarship program involving undergraduates; advising majors and pre-veterinary students; and participating in service or other tasks as appropriate. The individual should be willing to collaborate with faculty to employ regenerative agricultural practices at the farm following established health and safety guidelines. Broad, multi-species interest is preferred, with opportunities to develop electives based on academic expertise, including animal reproduction & physiology, nutrition, production management, or livestock markets and products. The individual will directly assist in management of the farm's cattle herd and have an opportunity to work with the horse herd or add other livestock (small ruminants, swine, poultry) to the farm for teaching purposes.

Required Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Animal Science or related field, or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.). All-but-dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered, but a Ph.D. must be completed by the start date. Candidates should display a desire to engage with undergraduates in a liberal arts setting (in both classroom and farm environments), strong organizational skills, and expertise with the handling and care of cattle and other livestock.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates that conduct field research involving regenerative or sustainable agricultural practices would be desirable, as would candidates with experience in animal nutrition or husbandry, agribusiness, or multi-species management. Candidates displaying interest in interdisciplinary teaching would also be competitive.

Applicants will be evaluated on:

academic qualifications; support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University; teaching philosophy and experience; compatibility of planned research programs involving undergraduates; demonstrated potential for success in teaching agricultural science courses; evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills; evidence of ability to confidently manage cattle following established safety guidelines; and fit with the department's needs.

Benefits:

Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year.

More details:

https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/ .

Program:

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences is part of the School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University. The Department has 17 faculty members and approximately 270 undergraduate majors in Agricultural Science (with specializations in Animal Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Business, and Equine Science), Biology, Cannabis & Natural Medicinals, and Environmental Science. The Department also offers courses in the Dialogues (Truman's liberal studies core curriculum) and opportunities for faculty members to pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research.

The University:

Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school. Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state's public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master's universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about .

The Community:

Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers' markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O'Hare provide quick access to one of the country's major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com .

Application:

Applications must be submitted electronically at https:// apply.interfolio.com/182594 For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu .

Complete applications must include:

a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above; a current curriculum vitae; a statement of teaching philosophy that reflects on our liberal arts and sciences mission; a sustainable research/scholarship plan that includes a mentorship philosophy for engaging undergraduate students in your scholarly pursuits; contact information for at least three references; and official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire). Review of applications will begin June 18, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Drew Sieg, ( rsieg@truman.edu ). Please include "Agriculture Search" in the subject line. Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu. Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu. Truman is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Truman is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act