Professor and Chair Department of Animal Sciences

Professor and Chair, Department of Animal Sciences

Job No: 537393
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine/Animal Care
Department:  - AG-ANIMAL SCIENCES

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences welcomes applicants who can contribute to our environment through scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. The Chair will lead the Department of Animal Sciences in advancing research, teaching, and extension in livestock species, integrating modern technologies with strong hands‑on training across multiple locations.

• Cultivate stakeholder engagement and alignment with the department's mission and program priorities.
• Engage and consult with an external advisory board and stakeholders in industries to guide program development and impact.
• Provide vision, support, and coordination in planning, developing, and implementing departmental programs in Teaching, Research and Extension in accord with the Land-Grant mission.
• Encourage proactive development of strategic, interdisciplinary programs that address Florida's and the nation's priorities in animal agriculture and related industries.
• Provide strategic financial leadership and stewardship of a large, financially complex enterprise.
• Develop, promote and facilitate external funding opportunities from public and private sources, including entrepreneurial initiatives, philanthropy, and donor relations.
• Recruit, retain, and foster the academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students.
• Advance undergraduate and graduate education, including recruitment, retention, experiential learning, workforce development, and online offerings where appropriate.
• Provide leadership and administration for statewide Teaching, Research, and extension programs, including coordination of Animal Sciences programs at UF/IFAS Research and Education Centers.
• Administer the department's human, fiscal, and physical resources with transparency and accountability.
• Foster shared governance; evaluate faculty and staff performance; support mentorship, retention, and promotion.
• Represent the department and faculty interests with IFAS and University administrators; collaborate with other departments, schools, RECs, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as with state, federal, and international partners.

• Florida's beef and dairy industries represent a cornerstone of the state's agricultural economy.
• Florida's equine industries drive billions in economic activity and job creation.
• Florida's small ruminant sector is a fast‑growing niche with strong market potential.
• Florida has a substantial poultry industry, encompassing both egg and broiler production.

• Academic programs: B.S. in Animal Sciences, M.S., Ph.D.
• Facilities:
  Animal Sciences Building, Beef Teaching Unit, Dairy Unit, Horse Teaching Unit, Sheep Unit, research and teaching laboratories.
• Collaboration with UF/IFAS Research and Education Centers.
• Research strengths: genomics, precision livestock management, nutrition, health and welfare, meat science, sustainable livestock systems.
• Extension programs serving Florida's livestock industries.

Commensurate with education and experience.

• Earned doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Animal Sciences or closely related discipline.
• Outstanding scholarly record qualifying for full professor by date of appointment.
• Evidence of effective administrative leadership and managerial skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary, grant‑funded programs and generate extramural funds.
• Strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student success.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to interact with students, faculty, staff, administrators, industry, producers, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to continued professional development for self, faculty and staff.
• Strong support and understanding of the mission of a Land‑Grant university and UF core values.

• Experience working within large Land‑Grant systems and coordinating across units.
• Experience supporting development/fundraising and cultivating alumni and stakeholder relations.

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit a cover letter, complete CV, and contact information for three referees. Applications close on November 15, 2025; the position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy diverse cultural events and community life.