Texas A&M AgriLife and the Department of Poultry Science seeks an outstanding, innovative, and dynamic extension and research faculty in Poultry Processing at the rank of Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist. This appointment will be 12 months, non-tenured, 65% Extension and 35% Research at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.  The applicant will work closely with other scientists within the department, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research to build a highly impactful, externally funded, nationally recognized, and self-sustainable extension and research program that addresses issues facing the poultry industry in Texas.

Texas ranks 5th in poultry meat and egg production nationally. On a cash receipts basis, poultry and eggs are the state’s second-largest agricultural commodity.  The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Poultry Science at Texas A&M University serves a broad client base from the commercial poultry industry to backyard chicken hobbyists. Food quality and safety is of critical importance to large- and small-scale poultry producers.

This faculty member will 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.