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Position Title:

Job Category:

Employment Type:

Job Profile:

Job Duties:

POSITION SUMMARY:

A trainer, researcher, and teaching position is available in the Humane Handling Institute and Department of Animal and Food Science. This is a full-time, 9-month contract position. The successful candidate will contribute to training activities in the Humane Handling Institute, conduct research and disseminate findings, work collaboratively with the Humane Handling Institute and Animal Welfare Lab to procure extramural funding to support research studies, and teach an average of 9 credits per academic year in the Animal and Food Science Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Training activities: The successful candidate will work collaboratively with current Humane Handling Institute staff to develop, refine, and deliver educational content regarding the safe and humane handling of animals in livestock production facilities and slaughter establishments. In addition, they will contribute to the direction and supervision of program technicians.

Research activities: The successful candidate will develop a research program that is focused on improving the welfare of animals in production and slaughter settings in practical ways that can be translated to field application with relative ease. The individual will lead and collaborate in the development of data protocols, data collection, statistical analysis, presentation of results, supervision of research technicians, and publication of research articles.

Teaching activities: The successful candidate will teach courses that align with their expertise and interests in the Animal and Food Science Department, with emphasis on courses in animal welfare and behavior.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Required

• PhD in animal science (or related field) prior to start date

• Candidate must be able and willing to conduct field research

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong statistical analysis skills

• Ability to travel is expected for data collection

• Ability to possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license

• Familiarity with navigating meat processing and slaughter establishments

• Interest in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students

• Experience in teaching animal welfare and behavior courses at the collegiate level

• Experience in coaching competitive judging teams

• Certification(s) in agricultural animal welfare assessment and/or auditing

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility

• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

Department:

Animal and Food Science

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:

• Resume
• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Mary Holle

Search Chair

[email protected]

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before November 13, 2026. 

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; 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

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. 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 [email protected]; 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 [email protected] 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.