Meat Scientist

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
January 14, 2026
If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

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

Position Details:

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. Washington State's agriculture production is as diverse and vast as the state's growing regions, which consist of the Pacific Ocean coast; the high rainfall west coast including rainforest and islands; the Cascade Mountain range; the high desert of Central Washington; and the rolling hills of dry-land farms in Eastern Washington. These diverse climates, rich soils, and access to irrigation support the production of over 300 crops, including animal agriculture, specialty crops, row crop production, and forestry. Livestock production is a major part of Washington State agriculture, with large numbers of beef and dairy cattle, major beef feedlots, beef and milk processing plants, marketing cooperatives, and access to high-value export and niche markets. The annual farm gate value of livestock and livestock production in Washington is approximately $2.65 billion. In addition to production of traditional livestock and poultry, Washington State also has an economically important aquaculture industry involving fish, shellfish, and aquatic plant products.

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. Faculty colleagues perform research focused on improving the quality of animal food products; enhancing environmental compatibility of animal agriculture; and increasing the economic profitability of food animal production systems. This position will serve a critical need for the Department of Animal Sciences to maintain excellence in: meat and muscle biology; livestock production; livestock production efficiency; student and stakeholder engagement; and safety, quality, and nutritional value of meat products.

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.
  

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Teaching at WSU focuses on undergraduate, graduate, and professional student instruction and is both formal and informal in nature. Teaching activities include, but are not limited to, instruction, which includes lower-division courses, upper-division courses, graduate courses, seminars, and classroom and distance education courses. Teaching activities also include mentoring, including face-to-face guidance of undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and others in such areas as special projects, senior projects, theses, and dissertation research. Guiding student clubs may also involve mentoring. Educational outreach in areas in which a faculty member is expert, including Extension, external instructional activities in K-12 schools, other colleges and universities, presentation of public lectures, and lecturing at significant workshops or professional schools is also considered teaching.

Evaluation of teaching is a major consideration in annual review and tenure and promotion processes. Both quality and quantity of instructional activities are evaluated. Quantity of instruction will include, but not be limited to, consideration of class sizes, numbers of courses, course levels, whether courses require unusual levels of preparation, and development of new courses. Faculty will have a demonstrated record of connecting teaching practices and course design to program-level goals and learning outcomes, participating in routine activities that monitor program and curricular effectiveness through the assessment of learning outcomes, and a willingness to adjust teaching or course design based on the results of those activities. There is overlap among scholarship, teaching, and service activities. Faculty members who obtain research grants that support and thereby make possible scholarly and creative activities of students at all levels will be recognized for contributing to teaching and learning.

THE MEAT SCIENCE LAB:

WSU Meats Lab is a 15,000 sq. ft. USDA-inspected facility that provides the harvest, fabrication, packaging, and storage of fresh, cooked, and frozen meat products. The facility is located on campus and a mere 5-minute walk from the Animal Sciences main office. It contains a low-stress animal receiving area, a classroom for instruction, chilled processing room, product packaging equipment, mixers, a commercial smoker, a hamburger patty maker, and retail sales area. The harvest area is designed for safe teaching and Extension opportunities as well as ease of custom harvest and sampling for research.

THE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCES:

The Department of Animal Sciences at WSU offers the only four-year Animal Sciences degree in Washington state. Research in Animal Sciences is focused on mission-oriented and fundamental research in the areas of sustainable resources for society and sustaining and improving animal and human health. These research foci include animal behavior and well-being, environmental sustainability, genomics and genetics, muscle biology, nutrition, reproductive biology and physiology. Research is conducted in new state-of-the-art research facilities that facilitate undergraduate and graduate student research projects. Undergraduate and graduate students are the heart of our department, and we are committed to preparing them for success in diverse career paths including veterinary school, agricultural industries, and academic positions. Student organizations fostering hands-on animal management include: Cooperative University Dairy Students; Cougar Cattle Feeders; and Student Swine Cooperative. Other student clubs include: Animal Sciences Graduate Student Association; Collegiate Horseman's Association; Companion Animal Club; Dairy Club; and the Pre-Vet Club. Students and faculty work collaboratively with the Washington Center for Muscle Biology, Center for Reproductive Biology, Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Center for the Study of Animal Well-Being, and the Center for Environmental Research, Education, and Outreach. For more information on the Department of Animal Sciences, visit: https://ansci.wsu.edu/.

THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL, HUMAN, AND NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES:

The College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University is an expansive and diverse college that includes 13 academic units, three extension program units, four research and extension centers distributed across the state, 13 subject matter centers, and one tribal and 39 county extension offices. CAHNRS fosters disciplines that serve at the interface of scientific discovery and its application to the advancement of society and improvement of the human experience. Our mission is to provide global leadership in discovering, accessing, and disseminating knowledge that contributes to producing a safe, abundant food and fiber supply; promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and communities; enhances sustainability of agricultural and economic systems; and promotes stewardship of natural resources and ecological systems. CAHNRS personnel embrace the opportunity to fulfill the university's land-grant mission by making groundbreaking research discoveries, by utilizing innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and by delivering relevant, progressive extension programs that synergistically generate outcomes that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Washington State, as well as for people around the globe. For more information, visit http://cahnrs.wsu.edu.



WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY:

Founded in 1890, Washington State University is a comprehensive land-grant university with teaching, research, and extension missions, and one of two research universities in Washington State. WSU is organized into 11 academic colleges, the Honors College, and the Graduate School. It has an enrollment of more than 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students on 5 campuses (Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett) with approximately 21,000 students located on the main campus in Pullman, WA. WSU ranks among the top 60 public research universities and is a Carnegie I, Doctoral/Research Extensive University. WSU strongly values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and seeks to ensure a welcoming community for all.

Further information about WSU can be found at: www.wsu.edu and https://wsu.edu/about/facts .

LIFE ON THE PALOUSE:

Pullman offers a friendly, safe, small-town atmosphere with an exceptional quality of life. Located 80 miles south of metropolitan Spokane, Pullman is also a quick drive away from the scenic Idaho panhandle and Moscow Mountain. The rolling hills of the Palouse offer a wide range of outdoor activities and a true four-season climate. The area provides ample opportunity to enjoy the cultural and academic hub of both Washington State University and the University of Idaho, in the neighboring town of Moscow, Idaho. Additionally, Pullman has an excellent public-school system and was recently ranked by Bloomberg Business as the best small town in Washington to raise children. To learn more about the Pullman community, visit: http://www.pullmanchamber.com.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name:

Animal Sciences

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA 99164

Department Link:

https://ansci.wsu.edu/

Annual Salary:

$77,000.00 - $85,000.00

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation

FTE:

100%

This is a permanent, tenure track position

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility:

This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. The successful candidate must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible. External candidates, please upload all required documents in the 'Application Document' section of your application. Internal candidates, before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all required documents in the 'Resume/Cover Letter' section of your application.

Required Documents:

• Letter of application;
  
• Statement of the applicant's training, experiences, and qualifications including teaching pedagogy and research interests;
  
• Complete Curriculum Vitae;
  
• Statement of your experiences working with or mentoring members of underrepresented groups and your ideas on incorporating principles of diversity and inclusion.
  

Qualified applicants should complete the Faculty Application Questionnaire when submitting their application and be prepared to provide contact information for their current/recent supervisor, as well as three (3) professional references. Please note that references may be contacted for reference checks or letters of recommendation.

Please contact Dr. Min Du, Search Committee Chair, at min.du@wsu.edu, 509-335-2744 for questions about this position. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Time Type:
Full time

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU's Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

To apply, visit https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Meat-Scientist_R-13796

Washington State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer.







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