"Assistant/Associate Professor, Working Dog Science, Tenure Track"

Assistant/Associate Professor, Working Dog Science, Tenure Track

Location: Philadelphia
Open Date: Feb 10, 2026

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet), Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine invites qualified individuals to apply for a Tenure Track (TT) faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The successful candidate will have a record of scholarship in Working Dog Science (WDS) including extramural funding, peer-reviewed research, and program development. The candidate's research focus may encompass a range of WDS-related scientific disciplines, including but not limited to olfaction and olfactory detection, genomics/genetics, behavior and welfare science, cognitive neuroscience, and human-animal interaction. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to integrate their research with existing faculty in Penn Vet's Animal Welfare and Behavior program (https://www.vet.upenn.edu/programs/graduate-awb/) and with collaborators across the University.

Faculty in the TT are expected to devote the majority of their effort to independent, externally funded research. Typically, TT faculty spend no more than 20% of their time in clinical patient care, teaching, and/or service annually. It is imperative that the candidate's primary and driving career interests and goals include scholarly accomplishment in the field and procurement of funding to support their research. Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to scholarly excellence, the development of a sustained and funded research program, and a thorough understanding of the expectations of the tenure track, including meaningful contributions to teaching and/or service.

Penn Vet is home to the Penn Vet Working Dog Center (https://www.vet.upenn.edu/wdc), which is a world leader in WDS research, education, and service. The successful candidate will lead, shape, and advance the research vision of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. The successful candidate will work within a highly collaborative environment that includes one of the nation's busiest academic teaching hospitals (https://www.vet.upenn.edu/ryan-hospital/) and leading clinical departments (https://www.vet.upenn.edu/academic-departments/clinical-sciences-advanced-medicine/). Opportunities exist to engage with established interdisciplinary programs at Penn Vet, including Small Animal Behavior, Shelter Medicine and Community Engagement, One Health, and the MSc program in Animal Welfare and Behavior; further, Penn offers significant opportunities for collaboration with the division of Cognitive Science (https://web.sas.upenn.edu/cogsci/), MindCore (Penn's hub for the integrative study of the mind: https://mindcore.sas.upenn.edu/about/), Penn Memory Center (https://pennmemorycenter.org), and the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (https://www.med.upenn.edu/adrc/news.html).

The University provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including multiple options for retirement savings and tuition benefits for a spouse and/or dependent children. This position is well suited for individuals who enjoys living and working in a vibrant urban environment rich in cultural, artistic and culinary resources (https://www.upenn.edu/life-at-penn/philadelphia). For those who prefer a suburban lifestyle, numerous residential options are available within close proximity to the University and the city's amenities. Philadelphia offers easy access to New York and Washington DC. Additionally, Wissahickon Valley Park, Valley Forge National Park, and many more recreational amenities are within minutes of the city for the nature enthusiast.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a doctoral degree or degrees. While not a requirement, individuals with a DVM/VMD or other doctoral veterinary degrees are encouraged to apply. Applications are being accepted immediately. Though negotiable, the anticipated start date of the position is July 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The strongest candidates will have a demonstrated record of academic success, however, candidates with less experience but with a drive and desire for academic excellence and research are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply electronically https://apply.interfolio.com/161150

The system will prompt you to attach a letter of intent including a statement of personal goals, research goals, curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, and contact information for three references. The letters should be directed to Dr. Carlo Siracusa (siracusa@vet.upenn.edu) and Dr. Tom Parsons (thd@vet.upenn.edu), Co-Chairs of the Search Committee, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010; Questions regarding the position should be sent to Kelli Cave, Search Coordinator (kellijw@upenn.edu).

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.