"Meat Scientist"

Meat Scientist

Posted: 10-Dec-25

Location: Pullman, Washington

Type: Full-time

Categories: Academic/Faculty, Agricultural Sciences

Internal Number: 6779480

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: January 14, 2026

Available Title(s): 270-NN_FACULTY - Assistant Professor, 395-NN_FACULTY - New Tenure-Track - Pre-Academic Year

Business Title: Meat Scientist

Employee Type: Faculty

Position Term: 9 Month

OPPORTUNITY:

The Department of Animal Sciences within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University (WSU) is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and problem-solving teacher and leader to join an extraordinary team of scientists, educators, and extension experts. As an integral part of this team, we are looking to fill a 9-month, tenure-track (assistant professor rank) teaching and research position to begin December 1, 2025 (or as negotiated), at the WSU Pullman campus. The successful applicant will develop a nationally recognized and regionally relevant program focused on Meat Science (Beef).

As an integral member of our undergraduate and graduate student teaching faculty, the individual will develop the curricula and serve as the primary instructor for ANIM SC_274 Beef Feedlot Systems (2 credits), ANIM_SCI 260 Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation (3 credits), ANIM_SCI 360 Meat Science (3-6 credits, Lecture and Lab), ANIM_SCI 460 Advanced Meat Science (3 credits offered in alternate years, senior and graduate level), ANIM SC_474 Beef Cattle Production (3 credits, Capstone), and other Beef/Meats classes, as appropriate. You will have access to an on-campus, well-equipped USDA-inspected Meats Lab for both research and teaching. Further, the selected individual will develop a rigorous, externally funded research program focused on an industry relevant Meat Science/Beef topic. This may include; pre-harvest production, meat quality, food safety, meat evaluation, and/or fabrication and butchery. This person will perform research relevant to Washington Cattle Feeders Association, Washington Cattlemen's Association, Washington CattleWomen's Association, commercial livestock producers, meat packing, meat processing, retail, food-service companies, and pertinent commodity groups.

Washington State has a vibrant beef cattle industry and ranks among the top in the U.S. in total beef cattle harvested. This position directly serves the needs of the Beef and meat industries in Washington State. [More details on agriculture...]

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The individual will have a familiarity with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences, an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity. The research program should address issues facing the beef industry, including strategically adapting improvements that enhance the sustainability of meat production. The individual will establish an independently-funded, integrated research program and modern and effective teaching curriculum in meat science and will mentor graduate students. The individual will complement and extend current initiatives and strengthen an already accomplished faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences. [More on faculty research...]

The successful candidate will be a faculty member in the Department of Animal Sciences and will report to the Chair of Animal Sciences.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Animal Science, Meat Science, or Food Science or related field by the time of hire.
• Knowledge of beef production, carcass grading, fabrication, and livestock and meat evaluation.
• Knowledge of pre-and post-harvest attributes of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue as they relate to meat quality, yield, grade, and marketability.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Documented teaching experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Evidence of ability to obtain external funds to support an applied research program.
• Post-doctoral or industry experience.
• Demonstration of successful team performance and work with diverse stakeholders.

Annual Salary: $77,000.00 - $85,000.00

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents... [Letter of application, etc.]

Qualified applicants should complete the Faculty Application Questionnaire when submitting their application...

Please contact Dr. Min Du, Search Committee Chair, at min.du@wsu.edu, 509-335-2744 for questions about this position.