Instructor/Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Animal Sciences

Company: Rutgers University
Location: New Brunswick
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Posting Summary The Department of Animal Sciences , in the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences ( SEBS ), is seeking a non-tenure track, calendar-year Instructor of Professional Practice or Assistant Professor of Professional Practice. Faculty in the Professional Practice title series serve as a bridge between academic scholarship and its real-world application, focusing on professional development and discipline-based education. These faculty members are typically experienced practitioners who teach practical skills, mentor students, and create opportunities for experiential learning such as internships and research projects. In addition to teaching, they actively contribute to their professions through applied research, consulting, outreach, and service in professional societies, government-appointed roles, and other organizations that align with their field of expertise. This position is designed to support the undergraduate program by delivering high-impact, experiential instruction in equine- and animal-science focused courses within the Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Research, Companion Animal Science, and Equine and Production Animal Science options. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and teaching courses that emphasize hands-on learning, including those conducted at the university’s farm and through partnerships with equine industry professionals. These courses may cover topics such as equine behavior and welfare, horse-human interaction, nutrition, reproduction, exercise physiology, and pasture and forage management. The candidate will also be expected to create and oversee internship and field-based learning opportunities that connect students with real-world equine operations, veterinary practices, industry and research environments. In addition to teaching, the candidate will contribute to student success through advising and career preparation in equine and animal science fields. The position also includes responsibilities related to course assessment, inclusive curriculum development, and other administrative duties that support the department’s academic mission. A strong background in equine science, animal science, biological science, or veterinary science and demonstrated engagement with stakeholders outside of academia such as equine-assisted therapy centers, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and extension professionals is essential. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The candidate will be expected to develop and teach courses in the Pre-veterinary Medicine/Research, Companion Animal Science, and Equine and Production Animal Science options of the animal Science major. In addition, they will develop and teach hands-on courses at the farm, develop industry experiences, or other internship-type possibilities. The position will also assist with advising for the undergraduate program and with course assessment and other administrative duties. APPOINTMENT TERM This is a 12-month (calendar year) non-tenure-track faculty position. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT All offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment background screenings. TO APPLY Please apply online at https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/260836 and submit the following documents as a single PDF that includes: CV Personal statement: Please address your interest in this position and your understanding of the Land Grant Mission and the overall mission of Rutgers (https://www.rutgers.edu/about-rutgers). Statement of Values: Provide a statement that describes examples of your experiences in leadership, mentoring, and/or community engagement that resonate with the values and mission of Rutgers University as a land grant university serving a diverse state and student body. Teaching portfolio Names/contacts of 3 professional references. Questions can be directed to Dr. Aparna Zama, Search Committee Chair, zama@sebs.rutgers.edu . Overview The Department of Animal Sciences , is located within SEBS which is located on the Rutgers University George H. Cook campus in New Brunswick, NJ. It has strong roots in the Land Grant tradition, has a mission “to improve the health and well-being of animals, including humans, through integration of teaching, research, and outreach.” Animal Science is a popular undergraduate major at Rutgers with over 450 students from a wide array of backgrounds enrolled in one of the four options: Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Research, Laboratory Animal Science, Equine and Production Animal Science, and Companion Animal Science. The curriculum provides students with scientific knowledge, technical skills, and experience to be competitive for entrance into professional schools or employment in animal science-related fields. Our graduates are highly regarded by professional schools and employers. The Department is committed to the pursuit of excellence by supporting our students from wide backgrounds and creating inclusive and equitable educational and experiential learning environment. The Rutgers Equine Science Center (Rutgers- ESC ) has been an institution in the New Jersey horse industry since its creation almost 25 years ago. This industry represents the largest sector of livestock production in the Garden State; it is valued at $4 billion and has an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion. The Rutgers- ESC is a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ( NJAES ), and Animal Sciences faculty. Rutgers- ESC has been a leading example of how Rutgers’ tenured research faculty, extension specialists, and non-tenure track faculty can work cohesively to support stakeholders and execute a mission of “Better Horse Care Through Research & Education.”

Keywords: Rutgers University, Fairfield , Instructor/Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Animal Sciences, Education / Teaching , New Brunswick, Connecticut