Assistant Professor - Companion Animal Science

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Job Duties:

The Department of Animal & Food Science within the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences has 840 enrolled students, and 37 percent are within the companion animal option. The Department is seeking a nine-month, full-time position (100% teaching) at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure track). The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interests and ability to teach undergraduate courses in companion animal science. Other teaching opportunities may include courses in the core animal science curriculum, based on the candidate's education and experience. The standard teaching load is 12 contact hours per semester.
 

Key Job Responsibilities:

100% Teaching

Primary teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in companion animal science, which may include Introduction to Companion Animals, Companion Animal Behavior & Training, and/or Pets in Society.  Opportunities may also include introductory animal science courses and courses in the core animal science curriculum focused on animal nutrition, genetics, physiology, health, or welfare, depending on departmental needs, the individual’s interest, educational background, and skill level.  An additional responsibility may include advising students within the Fostering Education Through Campus Hosting (FETCH) program, which is a service dog in-training program for undergraduate students. Mentoring and advising undergraduate students, and advising student organizations and clubs within the department, is also expected, along with active participation in department-sponsored events.  The successful candidate will establish and maintain affiliations with companion animal groups and associations at the local, state, regional, and national levels, and continue to advance their knowledge and level of expertise within the field of companion animal science. 

Participation in faculty or staff governance, and service activities at the department, college and university levels, is expected. Faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly activity. Such activities are broadly defined and may include the scholarship of teaching, the scholarship of research, or similar activities.

Department:

Animal and Food Science

Required Qualifications:

• Degree requirements: DVM and/or PhD in Animal Science or related field. Applicants who have finished course work and are still working on degree requirements may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their graduate program within one year of the date of employment

• Primary educational/professional expertise in companion animals

• Professional priority for achieving excellence in undergraduate teaching

• Strong interest in teaching college-level courses to undergraduate students

• Interest and ability to provide academic advising to undergraduate students

• Commitment and capability to support and advise co-curricular activities such as student organizations, internships, and/or undergraduate scholarly activities

• Well-developed and effective oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented evidence of successful teaching at the college level

• Experience, contacts, and involvement in the companion animal industry

• Education and experience in one or more of the following animal science disciplines:  animal physiology, behavior and training, and/or shelter management, animal nutrition

• Familiarity with U.S. animal agricultural practices

• Demonstrated experience with leading and mentoring undergraduate research students

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications.  Applicants are required to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial Transcripts

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience and professional preparation (references)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Justin Luther

Professor and Search Chair

justin.luther@uwrf.edu

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before March 29, 2026. 

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 

Title IX Notice 

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix. 

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy 

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275. 

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy. 

Reasonable Accommodations 

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact hr@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3518. 

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression 

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.