Research Associate/Assistant Professor (Meat Science)

Agency

Department

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The College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at Prairie View A&M University (CAFNR) is seeking to fill a 9-month, non-tenure track Research Assistant Professor position with expertise in muscle biology. This position is designed for a highly motivated scientist to contribute to PVAMU’s research, teaching, and outreach mission as an 1890 land-grant institution.

The successful candidate will join ae multidisciplinary academic environment and is expected to develop an externally funded research program that advances fundamental and applied understanding of postmortem muscle biology, meat quality, and biochemical mechanisms influencing fresh meat attributes. To support the candidate’s selected area is the PVAMU Meat Science Center for Innovation, which is a state-inspected meat processing facility, that includes slaughter, fabrication, ready-to-eat processing and research laboratory. Additional resources include the on campus CAFNR Research core laboratories, goats and cattle.

The successful candidate is expected to possess the ability to succeed through the pursuit of scholarly activities within the scope of their appointment which encompasses 100% research which includes acquiring funding for innovative and relevant research in meat science.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position. 

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain a high-impact, externally funded research program focused on muscle biology.
• Conduct basic and applied research relevant to meat science that supports regional, national, and industry needs, while aligning with PVAMU’s 1890 land-grant mission.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and extension personnel within the college, and across the university system on research programs related to muscle biology.
• Successfully secure extramural funding from federal agencies (e.g., USDA-NIFA, AFRI, 1890 Capacity Building Program), foundations, and industry partners.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at professional meetings. 
• Contribute to and collaborate with teaching and extension missions.
• Participates and assists in college-wide events, activities, committees and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Science, or a closely related field.
• 1 - 2 years of relevant work experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Clearly articulated research plans in muscle biology.
• Ability to secure extramural research funding and publish results in peer reviewed journals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative academic environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in securing extramural funding.
• Established publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to muscle biology, meat quality, or meat science. 
• Familiarity with meat laboratory operations, HACCP principles, and regulatory considerations related to meat research.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of 1890 land-grant institutions.

Other Requirements:

• Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.