Assistant​/Associate Professor, Equine Production and Management

The Animal Science Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor of Equine Production and Management approximately August 12, 2027. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Animal Science Department offers degree programs in both Animal and Dairy Science. Students learn principles of animal biology, husbandry, behavior, nutrition, and reproduction with molecular biology and other life sciences in a variety of species. These principles apply to farm animals, wildlife, laboratory animals, and companion animals. The curriculum is flexible, allowing each student to plan an individual curriculum aligned with their interests and career goals.

This is a comprehensive hands‑on program offering learn‑by‑doing opportunities to gain experience with a variety of animal species.

The equine production and management position is intended to advance the equine industry through teaching and applied research in equine production and management. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in animal and dairy science. Teaching assignments will depend on the candidate’s background and the department’s needs. Duties may also include, but are not limited to, supervision of undergraduate senior projects, graduate student mentoring, and academic advising.

Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:

Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156

Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720

A Ph.D. in Animal Science or a closely related field, or a board-certified DVM. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment.

Candidates are expected to have expertise in one or more of the following: exercise physiology, reproductive physiology, genetics, forage utilization, equine nutrition, behavior, immunology, and genetics. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public is essential.

Demonstrated experience and commitment to student‑centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings, are required.

Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate teaching are required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to communicate with industry supporters to secure external funding.

Preference will be given to candidates with applied and innovative research backgrounds addressing challenges within the equine industry. Experience and interest in equine facilities and breeding operations is preferred. Industry experience, university level teaching experience, a record of successful academic research, and the demonstrated ability to generate external funding will all be given preference. Preference will be given to board-certified DVM candidates that have completed a PhD and/or have additional post‑doctorate training.