Animal Scientist Beef Cattle Nutrition and Managementce Agricultural Technology

Position Description & Details:

The animal scientist has responsibility as the lead investigator for developing, implementing, and reporting the outcome of the livestock research program at the Center. The livestock program includes a broad scope of projects that emphasize ruminant nutrition, beef animal feeding, feedlot management, cow-calf production systems, animal care, crop/livestock integration, including a new smartfeed facility. The scientist is responsible for developing and implementing multiple simultaneous beef research projects that measure animal performance and economics. The nutritional focus includes maximizing the value and use of traditional feeds and forages, alternative feeds, crop co-products and industry by-products, supplements and additives, and crop residues. The animal scientist is responsible for writing and directing the department’s agricultural experiment station federal project. The scientist is responsible for the management of the CREC beef herd. There is the expectation to compete successfully for extramural funding to assist in maintaining the diverse program focus. Extramural funding proposals will be submitted to national, state, and industry RFPs. The animal scientist will create and conduct research projects at the Center that may include other NDSU scientists, regional and national project leaders appropriate to the mission of the Center, as well as participate in relevant studies led by others. Other tasks include: analyze data and disseminate results with interpretation of impact from research programs; develop outreach programs for research project results, including University and popular press; and serve on committees at the Center and across the agricultural experiment station. The animal scientist is expected to interact closely with ranchers, farmers, extension staff, agribusiness representatives, crop commodity organizations, and livestock organizations. The animal scientist has supervisory responsibilities for livestock research team members and reports to the Center Director.

Work Schedule:

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 40+ hours per week

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned Ph.D. in animal science with documented experience leading applied research projects.
• Documented evidence of preparing research proposals and success in obtaining extramural funding.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain strong collaborations and conduct research with project leaders in other departments, and state and federal agencies.
• Broad working knowledge of livestock production, including animal health, genetics and breeding, production systems, diverse feeds and ration development, carcass quality, and economics.
• Experience in the operation and techniques for use of field and laboratory research equipment.
• Documented experience in experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Education or work experience with North American feedlot operations.
• Documented and practical hands-on experience working and handling beef animals.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to deliver information via modern media technologies and peer reviewed publications.
• Vision and ability to lead a diverse, relevant and productive beef research program that will contribute to the development of the livestock industry in North Dakota.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading ruminant nutrition research projects.
• Experience in the supervision of multiple staff involved with applied research.
• Documented experience in beef cow/calf and feedlot management decisions.
• Training and/or experience in research focused on ruminant nutrition related to utilizing and understanding the response of diverse feed grains, co-products, and supplements on livestock performance.
• Active collaborations with scientists of other disciplines relating to animal science such as veterinary, agronomy, natural resource management, range, agriculture and bio-systems engineering, soil science, and economics.
• Documentation of publishing in peer reviewed publications.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae

Screening will begin: 10/24/25

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

The Carrington Research Extension Center is one of seven out-state NDSU Research Extension Centers. The CREC is located near Carrington, a community centrally located about two hours from each of the four largest cities in North Dakota. Carrington is a thriving community of approximately 2,500 people in a widely diversified agricultural production region of east central North Dakota. Carrington is a vibrant rural community with progressive schools (K-12), modern medical services (clinic and hospital), and recreation opportunities including hunting, fishing and birding. For further information visit http://www.carringtonnd.com/.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.