Contingent Term Assistant Professor Faculty Position W.A. Ranches Beef Cattle Genetics and Health

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Calgary invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Beef Cattle Health focusing on applied quantitative genetics, genomics and precision livestock systems. The role aims to improve animal health, welfare and sustainability in beef production through innovative data-driven methods.

The successful candidate will lead an externally funded program integrating quantitative genetics, genomic selection, data science and producer-facing technologies, collaborating with industry

Qualifications

• PhD in quantitative genetics or related discipline with livestock focus.
• Experience applying genetics/genomics to beef cattle traits.
• Proven ability to secure external funding and collaborate with industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead externally funded research program integrating genetics and precision livestock tech.
• Collaborate with producers, industry, and government.
• Teach and supervise in beef cattle health and genomics.
• Publish and secure grants.

Skills

Quantitative genetics

Genomics

Data science

AI

Computer vision

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in quantitative genetics

Tools

ssGBLUP

Genomic prediction

Job description

Description

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) at the University of Calgary invites applications for an academic position in Beef Cattle Health with a focus on applied quantitative genetics, genomics and precision livestock systems, emphasizing the application of genetic and emerging technologies to improve animal health, welfare, resilience, productivity and sustainability in beef production systems. Hiring will be at the rank of Assistant Professor (three-year contingent term, Research and Teaching Stream). The anticipated start date November 1, 2026 or a mutually agreed upon date.

Position Description

The successful candidate will establish and lead an externally funded, collaborative research program integrating quantitative genetics, genomic selection, animal health, precision phenotyping, data science and producer-facing technologies. The program will bridge fundamental and applied research with implementation in commercial livestock populations and will work closely with Canadian livestock producers, national industry organizations, government, academic collaborators and technology providers.

The position requires a minimum of a PhD (or equivalent) and advanced training in quantitative genetics, animal breeding, animal genomics or a closely related discipline, with demonstrated application to livestock production.

Other qualifications the preferred candidate must possess are:

• Track record of applying quantitative genetics and genomics to animal health, welfare, fertility, resilience, productivity or sustainability traits;
• Experience with genomic prediction and genetic evaluation methodologies, including single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP);
• Experience in the development, validation and implementation of emerging technologies for livestock research and production, including digital data-collection tools, precision phenotyping systems, artificial intelligence, computer vision, genomic technologies or other producer-facing decision-support tools

The successful candidate will be expected to help lead the building of a multidisciplinary research partnerships involving the University of Calgary, livestock producers, national and provincial industry organizations, government agencies, genomic and technology providers, and Canadian and international academic collaborators. The individual must therefore possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere. A strong network in the beef industry in Alberta and Canada is perceived a great asset to the application. This will allow for the building of the University of Calgary's position in Beef Cattle Health and genomics, so significant experience collaborating with livestock producers and industry organizations to translate genetic and genomic research into practical breeding and management decisions will be an asset.

The University of Calgary was gifted W.A. Ranches, a 19,000 acres working cow-calf ranch; with UCVM as the designated stewards of the ranch. The ranch, located across multiple sites, operates as a commercial ranch, while being used for research, teaching, and outreach to fulfil the donor's vision. This unique facility enables cutting-edge research on a bona fide working ranch as well as endless teaching opportunities.

Appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor Research and Teaching requires evidence of academic excellence through a scientific publication record, and evidence of grants awarded to support research efforts. Evidence of engagement in teaching and service is also expected.

Review of applications will begin on October 23, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate's research productivity.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

The terms and conditions of this appointment, including salary, are governed by the collective agreement between the Faculty Association of the University of Calgary and the Governors of the University of Calgary. Detailed information is available here.

For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Facultyof Veterinary Medicine, click here.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world'scleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years.Calgary is a city of leaders - inbusiness, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit froma growing number of world-class dining and cultural eventsand enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.