Professor of Animal Science Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly conservation-conscious world, the role of an Animal Science Professor is more critical than ever.

Scientific advances continue to shape our understanding of the animal kingdom, and with each breakthrough, the need for knowledgeable individuals who can research, teach, and advocate for animal science grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Animal Science Professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• An academic recruiter identifying the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of animal science,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Animal Science Professor job description template, designed for effortless uploading on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Professor of Animal Science Duties and Responsibilities

A Professor of Animal Science is tasked with educating students on the biological and physical principles of animals, including their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and care.

They may also conduct research in their area of expertise.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and deliver lectures on topics related to animal science
• Assess students’ understanding and progress through assignments, examinations and other forms of assessments
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate student research and independent studies
• Advise students on course selection, academic performance, and career paths
• Conduct research in the field of animal science and publish findings in scholarly journals
• Stay updated with latest advancements in the field of animal science
• Participate in departmental and university meetings, serve on committees and contribute to the community outreach programs
• Apply for and manage grants to fund research
• Collaborate with other faculty members in research and teaching activities

 

Professor of Animal Science Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Professor of Animal Science to join our academic team.

The successful candidate will teach animal science courses, conduct research, and contribute to the academic community through service and scholarly activities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal science or a related field, with a track record of successful research and teaching.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in animal science
• Conduct high-quality research in the field of animal science
• Publish scholarly articles and present findings at academic conferences
• Supervise student research and provide guidance and support
• Contribute to curriculum development and improvement
• Participate in departmental and university service
• Maintain professional competence through continual self-development

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Animal Science or a closely related field
• Previous experience teaching at the university level
• Strong record of research and publication in the field of animal science
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to supervise and mentor students
• Familiarity with online teaching platforms and methodologies is a plus

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous leave policies
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability coverage

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Animal Science
• Work Environment: University setting. Some field work may be required depending on research focus.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Animal Science.
• Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and the names and contact information of three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Animal Science Do?

A Professor of Animal Science typically works in universities or other educational institutions.

They may also conduct research in private organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Their primary responsibility is to teach courses in the field of animal science to undergraduate and graduate students.

This involves preparing lectures, course materials, and examinations, as well as supervising lab work and fieldwork.

Professors of Animal Science are also involved in conducting research in their field of expertise.

This could include studying animal genetics, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, or the effects of animal agriculture on the environment.

They gather and analyze data, publish their findings in scientific journals, and present their research at conferences.

In addition to teaching and research, these professors are often involved in mentoring students, advising them on their academic and career paths.

They may also contribute to the administrative work of their department, such as curriculum development and accreditation processes.

Furthermore, they may be asked to provide expert advice to farmers, agricultural businesses, government bodies, and other organizations on matters relating to animal science.

This could include advice on improving animal health and welfare, enhancing productivity, or addressing environmental challenges.

 

Professor of Animal Science Qualifications and Skills

A competent Professor of Animal Science should exhibit a variety of educational qualifications, technical skills, and soft skills to instruct students, conduct research, and contribute to the field of Animal Science, such as:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of animal science, including animal nutrition, breeding, genetics, animal behavior, and livestock production systems.
• PhD in Animal Science or a related discipline, complemented by a record of research and teaching in the field.
• Exceptional teaching skills to deliver complex concepts in an understandable and engaging manner to students at various levels of study.
• Research skills to conduct original and impactful research in the field of animal science, often involving experiments with live animals, and to secure grant funding for research projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey course material to students, present research findings at conferences, and publish scholarly articles.
• Interpersonal skills to mentor students, collaborate with colleagues on research projects, and contribute to departmental and university governance.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret research data, solve complex scientific problems, and make informed decisions.
• Organizational skills to manage teaching schedules, research projects, and administrative responsibilities concurrently.

 

Professor of Animal Science Experience Requirements

The role of a Professor of Animal Science typically requires substantial educational and professional experience.

Candidates are generally required to have a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Animal Science or a related field.

This will usually involve several years of extensive research and work experience, often conducted as part of their doctoral studies.

This research work is typically in areas like animal physiology, genetics, nutrition, or animal behavior.

After earning their doctorate, many aspiring Animal Science Professors will take on postdoctoral research positions.

These roles offer an opportunity to deepen their research skills, contribute to the field, and publish their findings in academic journals.

In many cases, candidates will have 2 to 5 years of postdoctoral experience before they qualify for an assistant professor role.

As they gain experience in teaching and research, these professionals can then move up to associate professor and full professor roles.

Furthermore, experience in advising or mentoring students, designing courses, and developing curriculum is often beneficial.

Some universities may also seek candidates who have experience obtaining research grants.

Additionally, professors often have a specialty within the field of Animal Science.

As such, they may have professional experience in roles such as a veterinarian, animal nutritionist, or animal geneticist that can provide practical, applied knowledge to their students.

Overall, the path to becoming a Professor of Animal Science is a demanding one, requiring years of education, research, and professional experience.

 

Professor of Animal Science Education and Training Requirements

A Professor of Animal Science generally requires a doctoral degree in animal science or a related field such as veterinary science, biology, or zoology.

As part of their doctoral study, individuals will typically concentrate on a specialized area of animal science, such as animal nutrition, genetics, animal behavior, or production systems.

After obtaining a PhD, aspiring Animal Science Professors often undertake postdoctoral research, building a portfolio of published research papers and gaining experience in applying for research funding.

Teaching experience, either as a teaching assistant during doctoral study or as an adjunct professor post-graduation, is also highly valued.

In addition to these formal qualifications, a Professor of Animal Science needs a sound knowledge of statistical analysis software, laboratory procedures, and relevant regulatory guidelines.

While not required, some Animal Science Professors may choose to gain certification from organizations such as the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.

This further demonstrates their commitment to the field and can enhance their opportunities for career advancement.

Continual professional development is essential as it allows Professors to keep abreast of advancements in the field and refine their teaching methods.

 

Professor of Animal Science Salary Expectations

A Professor of Animal Science can expect to earn an average salary of $83,270 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the professor’s level of experience, the location of the institution they work for, and the budget of the academic department.

 

Professor of Animal Science Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Professor of Animal Science need?

Professors of Animal Science typically require a doctoral degree in Animal Science or a related field.

In addition, they are often expected to have a significant amount of practical and research experience in their field of expertise.

Some may have additional certification or qualifications in specialized areas.

 

What are the daily duties of a Professor of Animal Science?

A Professor of Animal Science spends their day teaching classes, grading assignments, conducting and supervising research, and meeting with students.

They also engage in academic responsibilities such as participating in departmental meetings, serving on committees, and contributing to curriculum development.

Some professors may also contribute to their fields through publications, conferences, and other academic endeavors.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of Animal Science?

A good Professor of Animal Science is an expert in their field, passionate about animal science, and committed to the advancement of knowledge in their discipline.

They should have excellent communication skills, both for teaching students and for disseminating research findings.

They should also be able to inspire students, have strong organizational skills, and be dedicated to continuous learning.

 

What should you look for in a Professor of Animal Science’s resume?

Look for a solid education in animal science or a related field, with a doctoral degree being the standard.

Research experience is also important, so look for evidence of published work, research projects, or grants.

Teaching experience, particularly in animal science, is also a big plus.

Extra certifications or experiences, such as fieldwork or practical animal handling experience, can also be beneficial.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Professor of Animal Science?

Hiring a Professor of Animal Science can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required.

However, advertising the position in relevant academic circles and offering a competitive salary package can attract qualified candidates.

It can also be helpful to highlight any unique aspects of the role, such as unique research opportunities or cutting-edge facilities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of a Professor of Animal Science.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about teaching and research.

It’s about sculpting the future of animal science, one lecture, one study, one breakthrough at a time.

With our comprehensive Professor of Animal Science job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating razor-sharp listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every lecture, every research, every study contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of animal science. Together.