Animal Science Assistant Professor

California State University, Fresno
Jordan College of Agricultural Science & Technology
Department of Animal Science & Agriculture Education
http://jcast.fresnostate.edu/

Animal Science
Assistant Professor
Tenure Track
Fall (August) 2026

Position Summary:

The Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at California State University, Fresno seeks applicants for a tenure-track 9-month position (potential 12-month if appointed in a position with faculty oversight of an university agricultural laboratory unit) as Assistant Professor in Animal Science. This tenure-track position carries responsibilities in the areas of teaching courses, (undergraduate and graduate) scholarship (research in field of interest, grants, etc.), and service (student advising, committee work, etc.). Specifically, expectations include development of an active research program; serving as an advisor to student organizations; advising undergraduate and graduate students; participating in applied research programs at the University Agricultural Laboratory (university farm); engage in outreach activities and conferences as well as activities and programs within the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences & Technology with the objective of attracting and retaining undergraduates and masters graduate students; serving on appropriate College and University committees; and be an active member in appropriate professional organizations and associations. Assistance with the annual Fresno State FFA Field Day, other department events, and service on department, college and/or university committees is also expected.

Overview:

The Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education offers options in agricultural communications, teacher preparation, basic animal science (pre-professional), pre-veterinary medicine, livestock business management, dairy science, equine science, and meat technology. Courses integrate animal evaluation, behavior, disease, environment management, genetics, health, marketing, muscle biology, nutrition, physiology, production, and reproduction. Instruction in the animal science disciplines is enhanced through practical application at the various university agricultural laboratory units. The facilities include the Beef, Dairy, Foster Farms Poultry Education and Research Facility, Meat Lab, Quarter Horse, Sheep, and Swine units which are maintained to support this educational purpose. In addition, veterinary and physiology laboratories are utilized to complement on-campus education. The department is extremely proud of its outstanding faculty and the level and quality of student activities in which they participate.

The San Joaquin Valley has been the world's top agricultural producer since the 1940s, with over 220 commercial crops grown throughout the six counties. California is the nation's leading dairy state, producing 20% of all the milk consumed in the nation. Fresno and neighboring Tulare counties are the nation's top producing dairy counties, with milk value in excess of 2 billion dollars annually. The beef industry is also important in California; the state has about 1 million beef cows and ranks in the top 10 states in the U.S. for cattle in feedlots. In addition, California is the second leading state in the nation in horse numbers with about 500,000 horses.

Our Students: California State University, Fresno is committed to serving our students with a focus on inclusion. Fresno State has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI); and has been designated to the Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university has had a strong history of service and preparation of educators since the institution’s founding as a Normal School in 1911.

Required Qualifications:

Required Education (from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent):
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Animal Science, Meat Science or other closely-related disciplines from an accredited institution (or equivalent) is required; Applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered. For appointment, the doctorate must be completed by the date of appointment (8/1/2026).
Required Experience:
1. Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate animal science courses (teaching experience as a graduate assistant is
acceptable);
2. experience in at least one major domestic livestock species (beef, sheep, goats, swine, dairy or meats);
3. an expressed interest in effective undergraduate and/or graduate teaching;
4. excellent written and oral communication skills; and
5. demonstrated knowledge to conduct applied research and pursue extramural funding;

Preferred Experience:
The preferred candidate will:
1. demonstrate the ability to interact with students, colleagues, producer groups, industry stakeholders, government agencies, allied industries, media and the general public;
2. possess experience with meat science, nutrition (non-ruminant or ruminant), reproductive physiology, or genetics;
3. have a documented record of applied research, publications, and seeking and/or securing extramural funding; and
4. have experience advising undergraduate and/or graduate students, and student organizations

Application Procedures

Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026 and will continue as needed until the position is filled.
Please note: All positions at Fresno State are subject to the availability of funding.

To apply, applicants must complete an on-line application at: http://careers.fresnostate.edu
and attach the following:

1) a cover letter specifically addressing required experience and preferred qualifications;
2) a curriculum vitae,
3) teaching philosophy and
4) list of four professional references (names and contact information).

Candidates invited for an on-campus visit must submit by mail/e-mail within the designated deadline.

The Search Chair will send information and requests for these items

1) Three current letters of recommendation (dated within 12 months of full consideration date.)
2) Official transcript, and
3) research statement.

Committee Information:

For inquires, contact:

Dr. Amanda McKeith,
Search Committee Chair
California State University, Fresno
Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education
2415 E. San Ramon Avenue, MS AS75
Fresno, CA 93740-8033
Phone: 559.278.4331
E-mail: amckeith@csufresno.edu

About Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is an engaged University. We focus on broadening students' intellectual horizons, fostering lifelong learning skills, developing the leaders of tomorrow, promoting community involvement, and instilling an appreciation of world cultures. We nurture cultural competence by celebrating the rich diversity of the campus community and welcoming the participation of all. Members of the University community are expected to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. For more information on the University's commitment and dedication to creating a campus known for its integrity, civility, equity, respect, and ethical behavior.

The campus is ranked 2nd in the nation by Washington Monthly for tuition (and tax) dollars; ranked No. 30 for social mobility in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings; and received a 4.5-star rating on a 5-star scale in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges list.

Tenure-Track Faculty members gain a clear path to tenure through the University's Probationary Plan Process. For additional information, please visit: www.fresnostate.edu/academics/facultyaffairs/procedures/facultyrtp/ . We value our commitment to the success of our faculty by providing services from the Center for Faculty Excellence to Research and Sponsored Programs.

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range is $7,400-$7,700 per month for Assistant Professor (12 monthly payments per academic year). As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package.

Territorial Acknowledgement:

The Fresno State campus sits in the midst of the San Joaquin Valley, a valley rich in the traditions and representation of Native American peoples and cultures. We are grateful to be in the traditional homelands of the Yokuts and Mono peoples, whose diverse tribal communities share stewardship over this land .

Other Campus Information:

In compliance with the Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, California State University, Fresno has made crime-reporting statistics available to applicants, students, and employees online at www.fresnostate.edu/police/clery/index.shtml. Print copies are available by request from the Campus Police Department.

Any offer of employment may be withdrawn, or employment may be terminated based upon the results of the background investigation.

The person holding this position is considered a "limited reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. You can obtain a copy of this Executive order by accessing the following website: http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1083.html.

California State University, Fresno is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click http://fresnostate.edu/adminserv/smokefree/index.html

California State University, Fresno is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer consistent with CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy, as well as state and federal law. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Fresno State’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Employment is contingent upon US residence and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Advertised: Nov 13 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 31 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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• Cal State University (CSU) Fresno

• 559.278.4240

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