Animal Behavior Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Term: 9-month, non-tenure 
Reports to: Department Head
College/Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus Location: Haecker Hall, St. Paul Campus
This position is not eligible for H1B sponsorship.

The Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota invites qualified applicants to apply for a 9-month, non-tenure track Lecturer position beginning Fall semester 2026. This is a full-time, 9-month, annually renewable appointment to teach innovative and effective courses within the Animal Science undergraduate program and across the college and broader university. This position is expected to teach courses from among the following:

• Introduction to Animal Science
• Animal Handling
• Applied Animal Behavior
• Animal Welfare Science and Ethics
• Animal Welfare Assessment
• Additional opportunities for courses exist 

This person will be responsible for teaching already established courses and will also be encouraged to develop their own.
The emphasis will be on developing and delivering face-to-face and online courses designed to attract both Animal Science majors and non-majors, with a focus on introductory Animal Science, animal behavior, and animal welfare. Additional responsibilities may include coaching Animal Welfare Assessment teams and advising undergraduate students in the Animal Science major, as well as supporting student activities. Promotional opportunities exist within an established teaching track. Service to the teaching mission of the department is expected. 
Lecturers fulfill essential and ongoing roles in the departments teaching mission by delivering courses in various focus areas of our curriculum and advising undergraduate students in the Animal Science major. These positions are considered long-term positions with established promotional guidelines. Performance of lecturers is reviewed annually. 
Responsibilities (100%)
The UMN Department of Animal Science is seeking applicants with the ability to provide leadership and collaboration in instruction and contribute to the public service mission of the University.

• Establish and maintain a highly visible and impactful teaching program in animal science, behavior and welfare, including delivering online course(s).  
• Provide academic mentoring for undergraduate students
• Contribute to student success through recruitment and retention activities, and student experiences and organizations
• Participate in professional development opportunities supporting teaching and advising
• Candidates are expected to provide service to the teaching mission of the department. Examples of service to the teaching mission of the department include:
  • Participation in department and college curriculum development
  • Assist in advising undergraduate students
  • Advise undergraduate student organizations and activities
  • Coach Animal Welfare Assessment team

Required 

• PhD Degree in Animal Science, Animal Behavior, Applied Ethology or a related field is required at the time the appointment begins.
• University-level undergraduate teaching experience in animal science and animal behavior and/or welfare
• Demonstrated knowledge of animal behavior and/or welfare

Preferred 

• Experience working with diverse teams and to relate to students from different cultures
• Evidence of skills in distance learning, developing web-based materials, and online teaching
• Research and publication experience in animal science, behavior, and/or welfare
• Experience advising college students
• Demonstrated experience in multiple animal species.
   

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 13 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers thirteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the colleges emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning, internships and global perspectives.
At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. CFANS embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) (http://www.cfans.umn.edu/) is located on UMNs scenic St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major, with an enrollment of about 400 students, is divided into five areas of emphasis: Business/Industry, Companion Animal, Equine, Production, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science. Each emphasis offers a unique combination of classes to prepare students for future careers in business, production management, companion animal, equine, veterinary medicine or graduate school. Within an emphasis area, students can also specialize in a species, such as beef, companion animal, dairy, equine, poultry, swine or sheep, or develop a set of elective classes unique to their animal interests. Undergraduate Students associated with the Animal Science major have access to student organizations such as the Gopher Dairy Club, Block and Bridle, Pre-veterinary Science Club and Minnesota Royal, as well as opportunities to participate on highly successful Dairy Cattle and General Livestock Judging, Dairy Challenge and Animal Welfare Assessment Teams. 

Pay Range: $74,000 - $78,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

• Applications must be submitted online at http://employment.umn.edu/ Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
• Required application materials: 
  • A cover letter clearly addressing the required and preferred qualifications
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of teaching philosophy (maximum 1 page, statement should highlight accomplishments, experience and interests)
  • Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references that will be contacted if you are deemed a final candidate
• For questions regarding this position, please contact Krishona Martinson, Chair, email: krishona@umn.edu. Inquiries about the search process may be directed to Kim Reno, Animal Science Administrative Director, email: renox001@umn.edu, 612-624-7453.
• Application Deadline July 6, 2026.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)