Job Details

Assistant Professor of Practice in Livestock Production

Position Number: 6800075
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Animal Science

Assistant Professor of Practice in Livestock Production

43269BR
Position DescriptionContributes to the university's mission through teaching in an area of expertise, mentoring students in professional and career preparation and serving as liaison with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program. This is a non-tenure track, multi-year renewable appointment contingent on successful annual and cumulative performance appraisals as well as a majority affirmative vote of the academic unit. Summer appointments possible, but not guaranteed, contingent on demand for courses and availability of funding.The Department of Animal and Food Sciences in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-earning Assistant Professor of Practice in Livestock Production to begin before September 1, 2026. The anticipated allocation of effort is 85% teaching and 15% service.Professors of Practice at Texas Tech University are appointed based on exceptional professional accomplishments and are expected to advance the teaching, outreach, and student development missions of the institution. Consistent with university policy, this position does not include a research appointment; rather, effort expectations focus on high-quality instruction, leadership of experiential learning programs, student mentorship, and service to the department and broader livestock industry.The successful candidate will provide academic instruction in animal science, coordinate and coach the nationally recognized Texas Tech University Livestock Judging Team, and contribute to student recruitment, youth outreach, and stakeholder engagement. This faculty member will play a central role in supporting student success and maintaining TTUs longstanding reputation for excellence in livestock evaluation and industry engagement.

Position Description
Contributes to the university's mission through teaching in an area of expertise, mentoring students in professional and career preparation and serving as liaison with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program. This is a non-tenure track, multi-year renewable appointment contingent on successful annual and cumulative performance appraisals as well as a majority affirmative vote of the academic unit. Summer appointments possible, but not guaranteed, contingent on demand for courses and availability of funding.

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University invites applications for a full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-earning Assistant Professor of Practice in Livestock Production to begin before September 1, 2026. The anticipated allocation of effort is 85% teaching and 15% service.

Professors of Practice at Texas Tech University are appointed based on exceptional professional accomplishments and are expected to advance the teaching, outreach, and student development missions of the institution. Consistent with university policy, this position does not include a research appointment; rather, effort expectations focus on high-quality instruction, leadership of experiential learning programs, student mentorship, and service to the department and broader livestock industry.

The successful candidate will provide academic instruction in animal science, coordinate and coach the nationally recognized Texas Tech University Livestock Judging Team, and contribute to student recruitment, youth outreach, and stakeholder engagement. This faculty member will play a central role in supporting student success and maintaining TTU's longstanding reputation for excellence in livestock evaluation and industry engagement.

Major/Essential Functions
As a faculty member in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, the successful candidate will be expected to:

Teach undergraduate courses in animal science aligned with the candidate's expertise and departmental needs.
Provide high-impact experiential learning through coaching, mentoring, and preparing students for intercollegiate livestock judging competitions.
Coordinating the livestock judging program, including recruitment, curriculum integration, stakeholder engagement, and program administration.
Lead outreach and engagement activities with youth, producers, commodity groups, and industry partners to support recruitment and strengthen the program's national reputation.
Advise and mentor students with an emphasis on career readiness, leadership development, and professional competencies.
Contribute to departmental service needs, including committee participation, program development, and community engagement.

Required Qualifications
Each requirement should be demonstrated through documented experience, accomplishments, or materials submitted as part of the application:

Master of Science in Animal Science or a closely related discipline.
Evidence may include official transcripts showing degree completion.
Evidence of teaching experience and instructional effectiveness as a full-time instructor or graduate teaching assistant.
As demonstrated by course evaluations, peer/mentor reviews, sample syllabi, instructional materials, or documented teaching responsibilities.
Demonstrated collegiate livestock judging coaching experience with a record of competitive success.
As demonstrated by team rankings, awards earned, coaching roles, or statements outlining coaching responsibilities and outcomes.
Documented experience leading outreach or youth development initiatives related to livestock judging and/or the livestock industry.
Examples may include coaching 4-H/FFA teams, organizing contests or workshops, leading youth livestock programs, or supporting statewide/national judging events.
Evidence of successful student recruitment at the collegiate or youth levels.
As demonstrated by recruitment plans, participation in outreach events, documented recruitment outcomes, or letters describing engagement with prospective students.

Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science or demonstrated progress toward completion of the degree.
As evidenced by transcripts, candidacy status, or dissertation progress.
Broad academic or professional experience across multiple sectors of the animal protein industries.
As demonstrated by coursework, internships, industry employment, or collaborative projects across beef, dairy, swine, sheep, goat, poultry, or meat sectors.
Extensive teaching and/or research experience with ruminant species, including cattle, sheep, and goats.
As demonstrated by instructional assignments, laboratory or field experience, graduate projects, or applied livestock management roles.
Evidence of applied research experience, including experimental design and data analysis in livestock production.
Examples may include thesis research, industry-based research projects, data analysis experience, or presentations/publications in applied animal science.
Documented professional livestock judging experience and an established professional network to support student mentorship, career development, and industry placement.
As demonstrated by participation on competitive judging teams, industry affiliations, service to judging associations, or documented connections to employers and industry leaders

Special Instructions to Applicant
Please include the following documents in your application:

Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching philosophy statement
Copies of post-baccalaureate transcripts
Other document(s) directly related to required qualifications
List of 3 or more references

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Ryan Rathmann, Search Committee Chair at ryan.rathmann@ttu.edu.

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.