Contingent Term Assistant Professor in Beef Cattle Genetics and Health at University of Calgary – Canada

Summary

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary is inviting applications for a full-time, three-year contingent term Assistant Professor in Beef Cattle Genetics and Health. Located at the Foothills Campus in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, this research and teaching position focuses on applied quantitative genetics, genomics, precision livestock systems, and beef cattle health. The successful applicant will establish an externally funded collaborative research program, utilize and steward the 19,000-acre W.A. Ranches working cow-calf facility, and teach undergraduate, DVM, and graduate students. Application review starts on October 23, 2026, with an expected start date of November 1, 2026. Applications are processed through the university's online careers portal.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (likely)
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	Beef Cattle Health, Applied Quantitative Genetics, and Genomics
Research Area	Genetic and genomic selection, animal health, welfare, resilience, productivity, and sustainability in beef production
Contract Duration	3 years
Employer Address	Foothills Campus, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Employer Contact	Dr. John Gilleard ([email protected])

About the Project

The research program integrates quantitative genetics, genomic selection, animal health, precision phenotyping, data science, and producer-facing technologies to enhance animal health, welfare, resilience, productivity, and sustainability in beef production. The program bridges fundamental and applied research, utilizing the 19,000-acre W.A. Ranches commercial cow-calf facility to implement and validate solutions directly within commercial livestock populations and industry partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an externally funded, collaborative research program in beef cattle health, genetics, and genomics.
• Write grant proposals, secure external funding, and oversee research budgets.
• Utilize and help steward the 19,000-acre W.A. Ranches for commercial-scale research, field trials, and validation.
• Collaborate with Canadian livestock producers, national industry organizations, government agencies, academic partners, and technology providers.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at academic and industry conferences.
• Build a research team, including graduate students, postdocs, and technical staff.
• Teach and train professional DVM and graduate students, as well as participate in producer outreach and industry workshops.

Who Should Apply

Researchers and academics specializing in beef cattle health, applied quantitative genetics, genomics, and precision livestock systems who are interested in establishing an externally funded research program and conducting field research on a commercial working ranch.

About the Employer

The University of Calgary is a public research university founded in 1966 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with an enrollment of approximately 36,000 students. Its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) offers accredited professional (DVM) and graduate (MSc, PhD) programs, with research facilities including the 19,000-acre W.A. Ranches commercial cow-calf facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration and nature of this position?

It is a full-time, three-year contingent term Assistant Professor position on a non-tenure track, which may be renewable or lead to a tenure-track position.

Where is the job located?

The position is located at the Foothills Campus of the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with field work at W.A. Ranches.

What unique research facility is attached to this role?

The position includes stewardship and research access to W.A. Ranches, a 19,000-acre working commercial cow-calf ranch owned by the University of Calgary.

When do application reviews begin and what is the start date?

Application review begins on October 23, 2026, with an expected start date of November 1, 2026, or a mutually agreed date.

Who is the primary contact person for this job opening?

The hiring committee contact is Dr. John Gilleard ([email protected]).