Beef Production Specialist in Poole

The Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department is seeking an Assistant Professor (Beef Specialist) for a full-time, twelve-month tenure-track faculty position (70% Research/30% Extension) in Beef Production. The successful candidate will contribute to our research and Extension programs. We are looking for a dynamic individual to fill this position, which offers the opportunity to collaborate and engage in pathbreaking research and Extension with Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AVS) faculty.

The candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following: forage utilization, ruminant nutrition, animal behavior, immunology, general and reproductive physiology and genetics. In addition, the position offers a public-facing role as a Beef Specialist for South Carolina and a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Forage Specialist (stationed at the Edisto Research and Education Center) to develop evidence-based programming for South Carolina beef producers. The successful candidate will also recruit and train graduate students through the AVS M.S. and Ph.D. programs. Opportunities will also exist to collaborate with faculty at Clemson University’s new Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.

Cow-calf production is one of the top two livestock enterprises in South Carolina. There are approximately 4,600 farms in the state engaged in beef production. Clemson University offers a diverse range of programming tailored to the needs and challenges of this important industry. South Carolina’s climate enables nearly year-round forage for grazing, supporting beef cattle production in the state. There is a growing need for expertise in beef nutrition and supporting systems, grounded in ecologically restorative and precision-based approaches to beef production.

Clemson University, a Carnegie R1 institution, offers the only University-level program in South Carolina focused on animal agriculture and allied industries through teaching, research, and Extension/outreach. AVS awards B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, conducts research to improve animal productivity, health, and product quality/safety, and draws students and scientists from across the world to learn and conduct research in basic and applied technologies for animal health and productivity. AVS emphasizes collaboration with other disciplines and stakeholders to improve animal production and health.

Qualifications

• The applicant must have a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences or a closely related field.
• A solid working knowledge of the beef cattle industry, including challenges and opportunities facing southeastern producers.
• An expressed desire to regularly communicate with the livestock/forage extension staff and industry stakeholders throughout the state and region to help direct needed research and disseminate information.
• Demonstrated experience in research and outreach supporting the beef industry.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• The ability to use a variety of management and training techniques in offering Extension programming for producers is required and should be focused on helping producers improve their operations.
• A focus on ruminant nutrition or growth and development is preferred.
• Expertise in precision agriculture and artificial intelligence as applied to beef cattle production will be favored.
• The successful candidate will have clearly demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively and engage collegially with faculty, staff, students, stakeholders and the broader academic community while upholding standards of civility, mutual respect, and constructive interpersonal engagement.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following items electronically to Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/185949. Questions about the position can be directed to the Search Committee Chair: Lee van Vlake (phone and email) or Department Chair: Jim Strickland (502-517-2726; jrstric@clemson.edu).

• A letter describing your interest in and qualification for the position
• A one-page statement of your outreach and engagement philosophy
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Full curriculum vitae
• Name and contact information of at least three professional references

Applications must be received by July 31, 2026 (the position will remain open until filled). Review of nominations and applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Anticipated start date is January 1, 2027. Competitive salary based on qualifications.