RESPONSIBILITIES: The School of Animal Sciences seeks an exceptionally well-qualifiedapplied companion animal behavior researcher and practitioner to join the department as a Research Assistant Professor. The position is a 12 month, nontenure track position appointment with effort split between the School of Animal Sciences in Blacksburg, VA and a Roanoke Valley/New River Valley shelter with most efforts likely serving both entities: 50% of the appointment is to engage in applied companion animal behavior research, utilizing the animal shelter as a test bed field site for studying interventions to improve companion animal behavior and welfare. The other 50% of the effort is to overseeing, developing, and implementing companion animal behavior programs, services, and guidelines at a Roanoke Valley/New RiverValley shelter, in conjunction with the shelter’s medical director. We envision the successful candidate’s efforts at the shelter to overlap with their research program (e.g., studying theoutcomes of their implemented policies or behavior plans) as well as providing experiential learning and research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. The successful candidate will help guide research projects for some of the students in the online Master’s Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare concentration, and might assist in delivering the companion animal curriculum to undergraduate students, depending on the needs of the School and the areas of expertise of the successful candidate. The School of Animal Sciences has a growing applied animal behavior and welfare group, and a large population of interested undergraduates, and a robust online Master’s program with a concentration in applied animal behavior and welfare.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must 1) have a Ph.D. in animal behavior, animal sciences or psychology or a closely-related field, 2) a demonstrated strong research program in applied animal behavior; 3) a demonstrated history of working with shelters to behaviorally disposition and treat shelter animals; and 4) demonstrated dedication to undergraduate and graduate student research, mentoring, and success. Preferred qualifications: Professional certification in applied animal behavior (e.g., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant).
SALARY: Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Virginia Tech offers a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATIONS: Review date is July 10, 2023. Position is open until filled. Correspondence should be addressed to:
Dr. Erica Feuerbacher
3020 Litton-Reaves Hall (0306)
175 W Campus DriveBlacksburg, VA 24061
https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/526054/research-assistant-professor
