Tenure-Track: Assistant Professor for Ruminant Health Research

The College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Texas A&M AgriLife Research are seeking qualified applicants for one (1) full-time, 11-month academic appointment at the rank of tenure-track, assistant professor in ruminant health research. This position has an expected start date January 1, 2027. The primary goal of this position is to strengthen food‑animal production by conducting applied research in ruminant health relevant to the beef and dairy industries of the Texas High Plains. Priority health issues may include bovine respiratory disease in beef and dairy cattle or mastitis and metritis in dairy systems; emerging diseases in either beef and dairy cattle; digestive disorders; interactions between the rumen and lung microbiomes; antimicrobial use in production systems; transboundary ruminant parasites and other pathogens in food animals; and other conditions affecting ruminant health and productivity. The individual selected for this position will join a successful team of colleagues working within the Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach (VERO) Program (https://vetmed.tamu.edu/vero ), an exciting collaborative initiative in the heart of a highly productive animal agricultural region. To advance the future of agriculture and food‑animal health in the region, The Texas A&M University System, including Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), has invested significantly in new facilities in Canyon, Texas. These include the VERO building, WTAMU’s Agricultural Sciences Complex, and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. The campus is further strengthened by the newly opened Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center, featuring state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and modern research spaces. The successful applicant will be a key member of the growing VERO team, working with other university leaders, agency staff and faculty, and industry partners in guiding the development and growth of this novel initiative. The successful applicant will have access to cattle-feeding research facilities at Nance Ranch (WTAMU) and at Bushland, TX (Texas A&M AgriLife Research/USDA-Agricultural Research Service). The successful applicant will report jointly to the Head of the  Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, and the Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research; therefore, annual performance reviews will be conducted jointly. Progress toward academic promotion and tenure will be fostered and managed by the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University.

Expectations:  

The successful applicant is expected to establish and maintain financial support for research and training of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in ruminant health management.

The candidate will be expected to provide service to the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC). The successful candidate will also be expected to establish and maintain a USDA approved Hatch project and join at least one USDA Multistate Research projects. The successful candidate will coordinate research activities at shared cattle research facilities with regional institutions as appropriate. Participation in outreach and continuing education as part of the service assignment is encouraged.

Appointment: 

• 60-70% of expected effort for this position will be assigned to Research/Scholarship
• 20-30% to Teaching
• 10-20% to Academic and Industry Service.

Required:

• a PhD degree in a discipline relevant to ruminant animal health and an emerging record of scholarship related to the position focus

OR

• a DVM with specialty training related to ruminant production systems and an emerging record of scholarship related to the position focus

Preferred:

• Candidates with knowledge and experience in ruminant health research/impacts related to beef cattle feedlots, dairy farms, or stocker/cow-calf cattle are encouraged to apply.
• We especially welcome applications from those candidates with a demonstrated ability to perform independent research, experience in supervising scientific support staff and graduate students, an ability to cooperate and collaborate as an interdisciplinary research team member, the capability to publish in peer-reviewed journals, and the talent and drive to build an independent and extramurally funded and sustainable research program.
• Candidates with expertise pertinent to North American livestock and food production systems, especially with knowledge and experience in beef and dairy production systems, will be given preference.

Applicants must submit the following:

•      Cover letter describing their interest in the position

•      Curriculum Vitae

•      Personal Statement: Your personal statement should include your philosophy and plans for research, teaching, and service as applicable.

•      Names and contact information (address, telephone number, and e-mail address) of five (5) references.

Please submit the application through apply.interfolio.com/182192. Full consideration will be given to applications received by May 1, 2026, and the search will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Applicants needing more information are encouraged to contact Dr. Christopher Seabury, chair of the search committee (cseabury@cvm.tamu.edu).