Research Associate Professor, Ruminant Male Reproductive Physiologist

Agency

Department

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) invites applications for a 9-month non-tenure track Research Associate Professor (100% research; summer salary support for the first two years from the date of hire) position in Ruminant Male Reproductive Physiology. In addition to excellent communication skills, the ideal candidate will possess knowledge and experience along with demonstrated accomplishments in utilizing advanced techniques in male fertility with a focus on sperm fertility biomarkers and cryopreservation and have a distinguished record of scholarly research, publications, extramural research grants and professional achievements in male fertility. This role also involves developing a buck fertility center of excellence, contributing to undergraduate and graduate teaching and extension outreach.  A proven record of high-quality research publications, securing external research funding, and professional achievements, including student mentorship, is required.

The candidate will play a relevant role in the university's strategic mission to enhance research engagement and excellence, supporting the transition from R2 to R1 status. In addition to leading independent research, the candidate will contribute to graduate teaching and course development, nurturing the next generation of experts in reproductive physiology. The position will involve extension outreach to integrate research outcomes into practice, supporting livestock industries. The USDA funds the position and offers a competitive salary based on experience. Continued employment will be contingent upon meeting research performance metrics, including securing external funding and demonstrating successful research outcomes.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position. 

Responsibilities:

• Leads and manages an independent research program in small ruminant molecular reproduction, including study design, experimental oversight, systems physiology integration, and strategic research direction.
• Oversees laboratory operations, supervises research staff and students, manages workflow, compliance, equipment, and conducts regular laboratory meetings for program development.
• Develops competitive grant proposals, manages sponsored research efforts, and pursues external funding opportunities to sustain and expand the research program.
• Establishes and supports the buck testing program at the International Goat Research Center, including reproductive evaluation protocols and herd fertility assessment initiatives.
• Supports undergraduate and graduate instruction, student mentoring, extension programming, producer education, and community engagement activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary collaborations within the animal systems group and contributes to integrated research initiatives across programs and departments.
• Writes manuscripts, publishes research findings, presents at scientific meetings, and participates in professional organizations and conferences. Adheres to university and CAFNR policies, completes required compliance/training activities, and performs other assigned administrative duties.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field or discipline, including Veterinary Medical Sciences, Molecular Genetics, Reproductive Physiology, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of related experience.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of research in practical and/or basic Agbiosciences.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and nonverbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong self-motivation to pursue research and link the research with the teaching and extension missions of the land grant institution.
• Development of high-caliber research manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Laboratory and technical equipment related to molecular, cell, and developmental biology, genomics, and physiology.
• Advanced microscopy and computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) system. Experience with IVF procedures
• Immunocytochemistry and basic molecular biology techniques. Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Systems biology includes computational/synthetic biology, functional genomics, advanced microscopy, flow cytometry, and sperm cryopreservation.
• Animal handling, animal feeding, collecting blood from sheep and goats, plasma separation from the blood, ELISA, pregnancy diagnosis in by rectal palpation and ultrasonography, reproductive management (estrous synchronization), and artificial insemination in small ruminants.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and accomplishments in ruminant male fertility research.
• Experience securing extramural funds with funding agencies like USDA, NIH, and others.
• Leadership in program management and interdisciplinary research collaborations.
• Commitment to and accomplishments in student success and mentorship.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.