Assistant Professor in Applied Ethology

Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor in Applied Ethology
Department: Animal Biosciences

Position Description:

The department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position in Applied Ethology at the Assistant Professor level.  The anticipated start date for this appointment is January 2, 2027 or another mutually agreed-upon date in 2027.

The preferred candidate will be trained in the principles of animal behaviour applied to farm and/or companion animals. Research interests may include the integration of behavioural biology into the design of housing and management systems for domesticated animals, the study of human-animal interactions, and solving problems related to animal welfare with emphasis on motivation, cognition, and affective states. The applicant will be expected to collaborate with colleagues, industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to translate research findings into practical application.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Develop and lead an innovative research program in applied ethiology.
•    Engage in 40% teaching, 40% research and 20% service.
•    Publish high-quality, impactful research in peer-reviewed journals. 
•    Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. 
•    Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in applied animal behaviour and welfare.

Minimum Qualifications:

•    PhD in Animal Science, Veterinary Science or a related field, and have specific training in Applied Ethology. 
•    Demonstrated excellence in research, with high impact publication record.
•    Experience in securing research funding and managing research projects. 
•    A commitment to teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences. 
•    Ability to obtain extra-mural funding, and the potential to attract graduate students, with the expectation of developing an internationally recognized research program will be considered an asset.
•    Evidence of excellence and innovation in teaching in this discipline will be considered an asset.

The University of Guelph is a research-intensive university, ranked highly among comparable Canadian institutions with access to the Ontario Agri-Food Research Alliance Animal Research Centres https://www.uoguelph.ca/alliance/research-facilities/research-centres/animal-research-centres.The successful candidate will be a core faculty member of the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare https://ccsaw.uoguelph.ca, the largest group of animal welfare faculty and students in North America. The Department of Animal Biosciences is home to 26 faculty with expertise in genetics, nutrition, behaviour and welfare and physiology across livestock, poultry, aquaculture, companion animals and horses, providing numerous opportunities for multi-disciplinary collaboration.

The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of over 144,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process:

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant. SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Assessment of applications will begin on July 31, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Interested applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and apply for the advertised faculty position (Requisition ID #) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated Single PDF file):  
 

1) a cover letter; 
(2) a curriculum vitae; 
(3) Statement of research experience and interests
(4) Statement of Teaching Approach and Philosophy

Questions about this position may be directed to Professor Grẻgoy Bẻdẻcarrats, Interim Department Chair at: gbedecar@uoguelph.ca
Questions about the application process may be directed to: Diana Rau, Administrative Officer at: drau@uoguelph.ca

Date Posted: June 2, 2026
Deadline: July 31, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Dr. Gregoy Bedecarrats at: gbedecar@uoguelph.ca, tel: 519-824-4120 extension 53692.

Date Posted: June 3, 2026
Deadline: July 31, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA). 

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.” 

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. 

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position. 

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the hiring process or for more information and support, please visit the University’s Occupational Health and Wellness or contact OHW at ohw@uoguelph.ca.