The University of Wisconsin River Falls:
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF), one of the 13 prestigious Universities of Wisconsin, is located in scenic western Wisconsin, within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. UWRF serves approximately 5,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who pursue degrees in over 70 programs offered through the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Education, Business and Allied Health.
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.
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.