The Department of Poultry Science in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the Assistant or Associate Professor position in Poultry Gastrointestinal Physiology. This faculty position will be a nine-month tenure track at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor with 75% research and 25% teaching appointments. The projected start date is August 2025.

 

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining an independent, nationally and internationally recognized, and extramurally funded basic research program to support a departmental focus on gastrointestinal function and health. The ideal candidate will complement existing research programs in the department, including nutrition, feed manufacturing, health and immunology, growth biology, gastrointestinal development, health, microbiology, food safety, and processing. The incumbent should also be able to develop strong interdisciplinary collaborations in different species with current faculty in Animal Sciences, Fisheries, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The successful candidate will be expected to actively seek extramural funding to support his/her research programs from sources such as federal sponsors (e.g., USDA-NIFA Animal Health and Animal Nutrition, Growth, and Lactation Programs) and industry. In addition, departmental, college, and university committee service will be expected.

 

The candidate is also expected to actively engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including, but not limited to, teaching courses, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, and mentoring graduates and undergraduate students. The candidate will be the instructor for the graduate-level course POUL 8100 Gastrointestinal Systems and Nutrient Utilization. This course integrates comparative gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, microbiology, immunology, and intestinal health. Additionally, the incumbent will be expected to develop another graduate course on intestinal physiology or a related area. In addition to teaching these two graduate courses yearly, the candidate will participate in graduate (and undergraduate) education by mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, and publishing research results with their students in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in gastrointestinal physiology from an accredited institution in poultry science, animal science, wildlife, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, or a closely aligned discipline at the time employment begins. 

Experience conducting gastrointestinal physiology, intestinal microbiology, microbiome, pathophysiology, and/or gastrointestinal immunology research and a track record of scholarly productivity in the area of gastrointestinal physiology is required. Research scholarship, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations at scientific meetings in the area of intestinal physiology and health, is essential. Applicants must be able to work with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to develop successful research and teaching programs. The successful candidate must possess excellent written and interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to effectively interact with diverse audiences, deliver educational materials, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and a demonstrated or potential ability to secure extramural research and/or teaching funding commensurate with the candidate’s experience. The candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States when the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.

Desired qualifications: Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research and teaching efforts in poultry gastrointestinal physiology resulting in extramural grants, peer-reviewed research, and oral presentations at scientific meetings is desired. Knowledge of commercial poultry production is desired. Knowledge and skills in the multi-omics approach will be a plus. Candidates for the rank of Assistant Professor are strongly encouraged. Those with an established reputation as a leader in poultry gastrointestinal physiology with a strong record of securing external funding to support and sustain research and publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals will also be considered for the rank of Associate Professor.

 

Applicants must apply for this position by visiting the link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/49278 and attach the following: 1) Cover letter that addresses the applicant’s experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, 2) Current curriculum vita, 3) Copies of ALL academic transcripts, 4) Statement of research philosophy and plan, and 5) Statement of undergraduate and graduate teaching philosophy. When prompted during the online process, please provide the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three (3) professional references. Only completed application materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by the end of business on January 15, 2025. The search may continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Samuel Rochell, Search Committee Chair, Email: rochesj@auburn.edu.