Meat Scientist

Online Applications Deadline

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on March 15, 2026.

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

270- – Assistant Professor, 395- – New Tenure-Track – Pre-Academic Year

Meat Scientist

Faculty

9 Month

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  Beef Feedlot Systems (2 credits),  260 Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation (3 credits),  360 Meat Science (3‑6 credits, Lecture and Lab),  460 Advanced Meat Science (3 credits offered in alternate years, senior and graduate level), ANIM  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. The program will address issues facing the Washington Cattle Feeders Association, Washington Cattlemen’s Association, Washington Cattle Women’s Association, commercial livestock producers, meat packing, meat processing, retail, food‑service companies, and pertinent commodity groups.

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.

• 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.

• Documented teaching experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Evidence of ability to obtain external funds…