Assistant Professor of Practice - Companion Animal

Working Title:
Assistant Professor of Practice - Companion Animal

Department:
Animal Science-0830

Requisition Number:
F_260057

Posting Open Date:
05/20/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date):
06/22/2026

Posting Close Date:

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Description of Work:
The Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln ( UNL ) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR ) is seeking applications for a Companion Animal Science Assistant Professor of Practice position. This 12-month (calendar year), non-tenure track appointment will teach classes related to companion animals, advise undergraduate students, and conduct companion/zoo animal science and/or teach related research. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the apportionment for this position is 80% teaching and 20% research.

Teaching (80%)
The successful candidate for the Companion Animal Science position will serve as the instructor for 3-4 undergraduate companion animal science courses per semester based on expertise area.

Current courses include:

• ASCI 120: Animal Biology.
• ASCI 171: Human-Companion Animal Interactions.
• ASCI 202: Exploring Companion Animal Nonprofits and Businesses.
• ASCI 251a, b, e, and/or j: Introduction to Companion Animals: Dogs, Cats, Small Mammals, and Non-Domesticated.
• ASCI 271: Companion Animal and Equine Behavior.
• ASCI 321: Companion Animal Nutrition.
• ASCI 458: Advanced Companion Animal Biology.

The position will work with the current companion animal faculty in a curriculum development role for courses as needed and may include hands-on experiential companion animal experiences. The position will also serve as an academic advisor to undergraduate students interested in working with companion animals.

Research (20%)
Research focus is at the discretion of the hired candidate. Research areas could include discipline-based education research ( DBER ), human-animal interaction, or companion animal shelters, etc. The candidate would be required to develop and maintain this research program to address issues in education or companion animals. The candidate can collaborate with individuals in the department with physiology, nutrition, animal welfare, and others to build their program. Candidates are expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present them at national conferences.

This position will assist with student recruitment and outreach efforts by providing programs that increase visibility of the companion animal science program with high school students. In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and or university level.

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR ) and Animal Science are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See .

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science, or a relevant field of study.
• Experience and demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching undergraduate courses focused on companion animal science.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Commitment to experiential education.
• Experience in program development.
• Experience teaching both traditional and non-traditional college students in face-to-face and online courses.
• Experience in course design, development, and management at the undergraduate level.
• Experience with advising and/or mentoring undergraduate students.

Work Location (City, State):
Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required:

Criminal History Background Check Required:

Posted Salary:

How to Apply:
Click Apply for this Job and then Faculty Application. Complete the application and attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications and anticipated contributions to the position.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.
4. Statements that describe your philosophy and approach to teaching and research.
5. A statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See for guidance in writing this statement.

Please combine all statements (items 4 and 5) into a single document and attach as Other Document.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:
Jodi Mackin
...

Job Category:

Job Category (old):
Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Type:
12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?:
No

If Temporary, indicate end date:

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date:

Organizational Location:
Default Location