TITLE: Assistant Professor of Poultry Science

DEPARTMENT: School of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

REPORTS TO: Chair, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty-9 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site. Main Campus Frankfort, KY

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The School of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University seeks innovative and motivated applicants for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Poultry Science. This position will be a nine-month, tenure-track position with 50% research, 25% teaching, and 25 % extension appointment with KSU’s 1890 Land-Grant Program. The projected start date is August 15, 2025.

The successful candidate is expected to conduct research in the area of poultry science and provide statewide extension support to train extension professionals concerning livestock and poultry production issues with a particular focus on limited- resource, small farms, and low-income communities. The successful candidate will be capable of conducting research and outreach to focus on animal and poultry science topics related to poultry production, health, management, nutrition, reproduction, and/or other poultry production management such as sanitation, confinement, and daily maintenance. The successful candidate will also contribute to supporting Kentucky poultry production systems, while actively participating in teaching and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. Research and Extension efforts should be focused on small farms and farms with limited financial abilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop a research program based on the industry needs and related to poultry science involving, but not limited to, topics such as nutrition, physiology, health, genetics, or production management.
• Develop an Extension program related to small-scale poultry husbandry, as a vehicle for establishment of profitable farms among low-income and socially disadvantaged populations.
• Participate in industry advisory committees related to poultry farmers to outline topics needing investigation.
• Develop research and outreach partnerships with other agricultural universities in Kentucky, other 1890 Land-Grant universities, 1994 Land-Grant colleges, international institutions and and other professionals to enhance the quality of research.
• Build cooperative working relationships with other research scientists, extension specialists, area educators, teaching faculty, staff; youth program educators; university administrators, federal partners, other universities, and other potential organizations with expertise that can support program efforts.
• Develop relationships, serve as a liaison to, and/or collaborate with, appropriate governmental and non-governmental organizations including community-based organizations that serve farms, military veterans, socially disadvantaged populations, and consumers.
• Publish research results in refereed journals, books, and book chapters, abstracts and proceedings, and other publications and media outlets.
• Solicit funding and other resources from public and private agencies, such as SARE, USDA, and AFRI, to enhance Extension and research programing.
• Involve stakeholders in the development, execution, and dissemination of research projects and results.
• Participate actively in the appropriate professional societies via oral and poster presentations, serving on committees and holding office, and other society involvement.
• Mentor, provide oversight and lead graduate and undergraduate students in their research activities using cutting-edge techniques.
• Teach courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels based on the needs of the University and qualifications of the candidate.
• Represent Kentucky State University as an 1890 Land Grant Institution to the public, including federal and non-federal agencies, and research, agriculture and industry interests.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of poultry science, including poultry health, nutrition, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and production management.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing small-scale and limited-resource poultry producers, especially in Kentucky and the Southeast region.
• Understanding of Extension education principles, outreach methodologies, and adult learning strategies.
• Knowledge of research design, data collection and analysis, scientific writing, and publication practices.
• Awareness of funding mechanisms and granting agencies relevant to agricultural research and extension, including USDA, SARE, and AFRI.

Skills:

• Strong research skills, including designing experiments, conducting field and laboratory research, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Grant writing and resource development skills, with a proven or demonstrated ability to secure external funding.
• Effective teaching and mentoring skills for working with undergraduate and graduate students in both classroom and research settings.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex scientific topics to diverse audiences including academic peers, producers, community members, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize responsibilities effectively.

Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, community stakeholders, government agencies, and other academic institutions.
• Ability to develop and lead effective extension and outreach programs targeting underserved, limited-resource, and minority farming communities.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with poultry producers, industry partners, and professional organizations.
• Ability to travel as needed for research, teaching, and extension activities, including fieldwork in diverse settings.
• Ability to represent the university in a professional manner at conferences, community events, and industry meetings.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

OTHER DUTIES:

• This position will conduct other related duties as assigned.
• Develop research grant proposals to support research activities
• Share research findings through peer reviewed publications and presentations in professional meetings and extension programs
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research
• Serve on university committees, stakeholder groups, and professional associations
• Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. in poultry science or related field with emphasis in poultry related topics or similar focus at the time employment begins. Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research resulting in peer- reviewed publications. Candidates must:

• Show evidence of the ability to collaborate in research, teaching, and Extension/outreach activities.
• Possess excellent written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences.
• Show evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations with diverse audiences including faculty, stakeholders, and other clientele within and external to the university.
• Demonstrate skills in securing grants or strong potential to secure extramural funding.
• Show experience and interest in mentoring and teaching students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Show involvement with recognized professional associations or organizations.
• Demonstrate ability to disseminate information through scholarly publications, patents and presentations at scientific meetings and through technology transfer to agriculture and industry groups.
• Have knowledge and understanding of Southeast and Kentucky poultry industry.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must provide the following in addition to application:

• Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position
• Current curriculum vita
• A statement of Extension, Teaching, and Research program philosophy
• Copies of all academic transcripts
• Provide names, email addresses and phone numbers for three (3) professional references.

Only complete applications materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by end of business on June 1, 2025. The search may continue until the position is filled.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.