Position Title:
Topel Chair Associate Professor or Professor Rank
Appointment Type:
Faculty
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa seeks applicants for a 9-month tenured faculty at the Associate Professor or Professor rank. The successful incumbent will be the inaugural holder of the David G. Topel and Jay-lin Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science. Position responsibilities will be approximately 60% research, 25% teaching, 10% outreach, and 5% institutional service. The successful candidate is expected to have national recognition and establish an externally funded and collaborative program in meat science with an emphasis on meat quality and/or meat processing. The successful candidate will be expected to teach in the department to transfer cutting-edge knowledge in the meat science field to graduate and/or undergraduate students. Also, directing graduate student research at M.S. and Ph.D. levels and undergraduate student academic advising is expected. The candidate will be expected to engage in outreach to the livestock industry, meat processors and the general public to disseminate science-based information applicable to meat science. Service to the department, university and the meat science profession is expected.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in animal science, meat science, or a closely related discipline.
Candidates will be considered for associate professor or professor rank based on previous experience in alignment with the ISU Faculty Handbook criteria.
Preferred Qualifications:
Evidence of scholarly research output in the field of meat science through publications and presentations.
A strong record of attracting extramural research funding.
Experience in training and mentoring graduate students.
Documented effective teaching and communication skills in meat science and animal science curriculum.
Evidence of successful collaboration in a team-based work environment.
A record of engaging meat processing stakeholders to support the livestock industry.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is a recognized leader in its field, both nationally and internationally, with balanced emphasis on research, teaching, and extension. The department is home to approximately 1000 undergraduate students, 85 graduate students, and over 40 faculty members. The Department has a strong history of developing undergraduate students through research opportunities. The Department enjoys strong support and interactions with the livestock sector, meat processing industry, and allied industries at the state and national level. Its collegial environment, embedded in a strong livestock industry, makes the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University an excellent base for faculty interested in pursuing a rewarding and impactful career in an animal science department.
The Department of Animal Science has extensive infrastructure to support meat science faculty in research, teaching, and extension efforts. Departmental facilities focused in the meat science area include a USDA-FSIS inspected Meat Laboratory with over 11,000 ft2 of harvest and processing space, biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) microbiology lab with a fully equipped processing room, chemistry laboratory and muscle biology laboratories. Faculty members also have access to a multitude of live animal units that are adjacent to campus including beef, swine, sheep, dairy, and poultry units.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is one of the world’s leading institutions of agriculture, with more than 160 years of leadership in science, education, and extension. The College educates future leaders, conducts mission-oriented research, and shares new knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world. Iowa State plays a leading role in meeting the ever-growing demand for highly qualified students who will become the next generation of industry leaders and educators in Iowa, the nation, and the world. Offering expert animal science training, research and engagement from the Department of Animal Science and CALS is critical to continuing the university’s mission.
Department Unit/Website:
https://www.ans.iastate.edu/
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2025
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) A cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications (two-page limit).
2) A vision statement outlining the candidate’s vision for a successful faculty program at Iowa State University (two-page limit).
3) A complete curriculum vitae.
4) Names and complete contact information for 3-5 references.
This appointment has a start date of August 16th but is open to negotiation.
Applications received by June 1, 2025 will be guaranteed consideration.
For more information, contact Dr. Jason Ross, Department Chair, at [email protected] or 515-294-2161 or Dr. Terry Houser, Search Committee Chair, at 515-294-7434 or [email protected]. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date:
April 10, 2025
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R16775
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