Assistant Professor- Equine Science

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Department of Animal Science and Food Science within the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences serves over 800 majors, with over 25% of those students within the equine option. The University maintains a teaching herd including riding horses, broodmares, stallions, and young stock. The Department is seeking a nine-month, full-time academic, tenure-track undergraduate faculty position (100% teaching) at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interests and ability to teach undergraduate courses in animal science with an emphasis on equine science, equitation, or management. Other teaching opportunities may include courses in the core animal science curriculum. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. Appointment date: August 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES 100% Teaching:

Primary teaching will include undergraduate courses in equine science and in the core animal science curriculum focused on the disciplines of nutrition, physiology, or reproduction, depending on departmental needs, the individual’s interest, educational background and skill level. Additional responsibilities include academic advising to undergraduate students and advising to student organizations, clubs, and teams within the department. Active participation is expected in department-sponsored events. The individual will also establish and maintain affiliations within the horse industry at the local, state, regional, and national levels.  After hiring, the individual would be expected to continue to advance their knowledge and level of expertise within the equine field. 

The University requires participation in faculty governance and service activities at the departmental, college and university levels. Faculty members are also 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. Opportunities exist for summer employment through teaching, research grants, internship supervision, outreach short-courses, and other funding sources.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Department:

Animal and Food Science

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Qualifications (Required):

• DVM or PhD in Animal Science or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have finished course work and are still working on their dissertation may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their PhD within one year of the date of employment.

• Primary educational/professional expertise in equine science, management, or equitation.

• Professional priority for achieving excellence in undergraduate teaching.

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

• Demonstrated interest and ability in providing academic advising to undergraduate students.

• Expressed commitment and capability in supporting and advising co-curricular activities such as student organizations, internships, and/or undergraduate research.

• Well-developed and effective oral and written communication skills.

• Familiarity with U.S. animal agricultural practices.

Qualifications (Preferred):

• Experience, contacts, and involvement in the equine industry.

• Documented evidence of successful teaching at the college level.

• Experience and/or interest in coaching collegiate horse judging teams.

• Equitation skills in either Western or English riding disciplines.

• Experience in equine reproductive management.

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities. 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 experience and professional preparation (references)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Jennifer Weinert-Nelson

Assistant Professor and Search Chair

jennifer.weinertnelson@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 22, 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.