Auburn, Alabama
Posted: 27-Oct-25
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Type: Full Time
Salary: Negotiable
Preferred Education:
The Department of Poultry Science in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Professor - Poultry Functional Genomics. This will be a nine-month tenure-track faculty position with 75% research and 25% teaching appointments. The projected start date is August 2026.
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 poultry functional genomics. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of wet lab, molecular biology, and strong bioinformatics analysis skills. The individual will be expected to establish a research program utilizing functional genomics in addressing questions in poultry behavior and welfare, health and immunology, reproductive physiology, gastrointestinal development, nutrition, growth, and/or productivity, while supporting ongoing research programs in microbiology, food safety, and product quality in the department. Publication of results in reputable peer-reviewed journals will be required. The incumbent should also be able to develop strong interdisciplinary collaborations with current faculty in Animal Sciences, the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, and the College of Sciences and Mathematics. The successful candidate will be expected to actively seek extramural funding to support his/her research programs from sources such as federal sponsors (USDA-NIFA, NIH, NSF, among others) and industry. In addition, departmental, college, and university committee service will be expected.
The incumbent will teach two courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels according to their strengths and departmental requirements. In addition, the candidate is also expected to actively engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including, but not limited to, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, serving on graduate committees, and supervising thesis and dissertation research.
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in poultry science, animal science, wildlife, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, or a closely aligned discipline with a focus on functional genomics at the time employment begins.
We are seeking candidates who apply state-of-the-art experimental techniques, such as microarrays, next-generation sequencing, and CRISPR-based gene editing in animal model systems to understand genetic mechanisms and identify genes associated with traits, such as growth, reproduction, immune responses, feed utilization and metabolism, and behavioral adaptations to changing environmental conditions. Expertise in bioinformatics and computational modeling validated by multi-omics approaches is integral to this position. Research scholarship, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations at scientific meetings in the area of functional genomics, 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 the ability to effectively interact with various audiences, deliver educational materials, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and demonstrate/potential ability to secure extramural research and/or teaching funding. 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 functional genomics resulting in extramural grants, peer-reviewed research, and oral presentations at scientific meetings is desired. Knowledge of commercial poultry production is desired. While the research focus within functional genomics is open, consideration will be given to applicants with experience conducting basic research, yet relevant to the poultry industry (e.g., improving production traits, stress resilience, disease resistance, or nutritional and reproductive efficiencies), and a track record of scholarly productivity in functional genomics. Candidates for the rank of Assistant Professor are encouraged. However, those with an established reputation as a leader in functional genomics 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.
Application: Applicants must apply for this position by visiting the link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/56364 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, 2026. The search may continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Ruediger Hauck, Search Committee Chair, Email: mrh0079@auburn.edu.