Position Summary
The Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Specialist - Outreach (continuing system) with an appointment of 45% Extension, 30% research, 20% teaching, and 5% service. Extension and applied research efforts are expected to result in peer-reviewed and industry-relevant outputs, competitive extramural funding, and documented stakeholder impact consistent with Academic Specialist continuing-system expectations. The position has an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.
The successful candidate will develop an integrated Extension and applied research program to serve stakeholders within the Michigan sheep and goat industries. The candidate will also lead teaching efforts in small ruminant science in support of undergraduate programs within the Department of Animal Science.
The successful candidate will work with the Michigan sheep and goat industries and MSU colleagues, across colleges, and Extension work teams to identify stakeholder needs; conduct applied research that addresses those needs; and develop education and decision-support programs that translate research into practice. The candidate will have the autonomy to develop an integrated Extension and applied research focus that may include nutrition, animal health and welfare, physiology, product quality, environmental impacts, or economics. Programming will serve both large- and small-scale sheep and goat producers and allied industries.
The candidate will be expected to secure extramural funding and will have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate workers and graduate students, and collaborate with MSU faculty and Extension educators to deliver programs with clear outcomes and impact evaluation. The individual will provide leadership for statewide Extension efforts, working with Extension educators and work teams, campus specialists, the Michigan Sheep Producers Association (MSPA), and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to address emerging issues facing Michigan’s small ruminant industries. Additionally, the candidate will be required to attend MSU Fall Extension Conference and the affiliated MSU Extension Institute Conference. Further, the candidate will be required to work with MSU Extension Educators to utilize PEARS, the Program Evaluation and Reporting System, to report on work and make plans.
The successful candidate is expected to remain current on sheep and goat production research, through an ongoing professional development plan, and to facilitate, conduct, and participate in applied research on issues important to the small ruminant industry and deliver those results and relevant findings from MSU and partner institutions through the individual’s Extension program.
A resident flock of 250 Polypay × Dorset cross ewes are maintained at the MSU Sheep Teaching and Research Center, which encompasses a modern lambing facility and approximately 25 acres available for grazing. The facility can house up to 300 ewes at one time with feed bunks utilized for total mixed rations. The lambing facility is heated to optimize sheep health and productivity and to support teaching and research programs during the winter months. The unit also has facilities for feed storage, ram housing, and additional indoor pens to house weaned lambs or replacement ewe lambs. Grazing infrastructure includes a pasture watering system and subdivision fencing to allow for management intensive grazing.
The teaching assignment includes an annual undergraduate 200-level introductory sheep management course, and a 400-level advanced small ruminant management course taught every other year, with additional opportunities for guest lecturing. The candidate will be supported in developing hands-on, experiential learning components using MSU and commercial facilities.
The successful candidate must possess effective communication skills in their interactions with students and stakeholders, including those students from diverse backgrounds. The candidate is expected to develop innovative instructional approaches to classroom teaching and outreach. This should include Extension teaching methods ranging from traditional in-person meetings, held one-on-one or in groups, to using different forms of synchronous and asynchronous distance learning technologies. The candidate will be expected to develop a broad array of Extension educational materials that may include traditional news articles and bulletins, videos, and infographics, etc., to meet the broad needs of clientele.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Animal Science or a closely related field with training and experience in sheep and/or goat production systems.
Desired Degree
Doctorate -Animal Science or a closely related field. Demonstrated record in Extension programming and teaching in small ruminant production systems.
Minimum Requirements
Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research, communicate with producer and student audiences, teach effectively using modern teaching tools, and collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
Required Application Materials
a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and statement of extension programming, applied research and teaching philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum)
b) current curriculum vitae
c) contact information for three professional references.
Review of Applications Begins On
06/15/2026
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
