The University of Wisconsin–Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), announces an internal search for a faculty associate director for the Dairy Innovation Hub. Pre-and post-tenured faculty in CALS are invited to apply (partial or full appointment).

The Dairy Innovation Hub, which the state of Wisconsin supports with funding of $7.8 million per year, harnesses research and development at UW–Madison, UW–Platteville and UW–River Falls campuses to keep Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy community at the global forefront in producing nutritious dairy products in an economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner.

This new faculty associate director role mirrors those at our partner campuses, where faculty members chair the campus steering committees and provide leadership for research and outreach activities in coordination with the local dean and the Hub director.

UW–Madison faculty associate director responsibilities include:

• Chair the UW–Madison steering committee and coordinate meetings and engagement opportunities with the Hub director
• Collaborate with the Hub director on high-level planning of the annual Dairy Symposium. Provide similar support when UW–Madison hosts the Dairy Summit (every three years); attend and support event delivery
• Serve as moderator or emcee for UW–Madison–specific Hub events as needed
• Represent UW–Madison at quarterly virtual campus liaison meetings
• Chair review panels for UW–Madison funding calls and coordinate the process with Hub staff. NOTE: This role does not preclude faculty from applying to Hub funding calls.
• Meet with campus, farmer, and stakeholder groups to discuss Hub projects and impacts at UW–Madison as needed
• Attend additional Hub events as schedule allows (e.g., Capitol posters, industry trade shows)
• Work with the CALS dean, Hub director, and campus departments to support faculty hiring and search processes as needed
• Meet monthly with the Hub director
• Optional: Serve on the Dairy Innovation Hub advisory council, pending independent appointment
• Compensation and time commitment: One month of summer salary or equivalent flexible funds provided annually. Work effort is distributed throughout the year, with predictable increases during events and review panels; total time commitment will not exceed the equivalent of one month annually
• Appointment duration: A 1 to 2-year appointment with the possibility of renewal as mutually agreed

To apply:

For full consideration, applications must be received by July 1, 2026. A complete application includes a one‑page statement of interest and a current CV.

Applications should be submitted via email to Maria Woldt (maria.woldt@wisc.edu), who will work with the UW–Madison, CALS deans’ team to select the inaugural faculty associate director. There will be an informal interview as part of the selection process.

Questions about the position or application process may be directed to Maria Woldt or Troy Runge (trunge@wisc.edu).

This faculty associate director announcement is also available as a downloadable PDF, posted below.