Assistant Professor in Equine Biosciences

Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor in Equine Biosciences
Department: Animal Biosciences 

Position Description:
 

The Department of Animal Biosciences in the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Equine Biosciences with a distribution of effort of 50% Teaching, 30% Research, and 20% Service. The candidate must possess a minimum of a PhD. 

The successful candidate will be expected to make significant contributions to the academic and professional community within the Department, College, University, and equine industry and will help shape the future of Equine Science at the University of Guelph.

The successful candidate will possess:
•    a PhD in Equitation Science, Equine/Animal Biosciences, Equine Behaviour, Equine Welfare, Systems Biology, or a closely related discipline; 
•    demonstrated excellence, or strong potential for excellence, in undergraduate teaching; 
•    evidence of the ability to develop an independent, externally funded research program; 
•    demonstrated practical experience working with horses and a strong understanding of the equine industry; 
•    evidence of effective communication with diverse audiences, including students, industry stakeholders, and scientific peers; 
•    commitment to student mentorship, inclusive teaching, and collegial service. 

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate established engagement with the Canadian or international equine industry through applied research, extension, coaching, competition, welfare organizations, breed associations, or other professional activities.This position is a unique opportunity for an educator-scholar who is passionate about advancing undergraduate equine education while developing an innovative research program that supports the Canadian equine industry. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching excellence, establish a productive and externally funded research program, and provide academic and professional leadership within the University's evolving Equine Science program.

Teaching responsibilities: The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate teaching within the Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) and related Animal Biosciences programs. Teaching responsibilities will include a combination of introductory and senior undergraduate courses in areas such as: Equine Management, Trends and Issues in the industry, Equine Reproduction, Equine Behaviour and Welfare, Equine Nutrition, and Equine Anatomy and Physiology. 
The successful candidate will be expected to employ evidence-based teaching practices and contribute to curriculum modernization as the Department transitions from the Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (Equine Management) program to the new Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) major in Equine Science. Within approximately three years of appointment, the successful candidate is expected to assume the role of Faculty Advisor for Equine Science students, providing academic advising, career mentoring, support for co-operative education placements, and oversight of experiential learning requirements.

Research responsibilities: The successful candidate will establish an externally funded research program that complements departmental strengths while addressing current challenges facing the equine industry. The candidate is expected to develop national and international research collaborations.
Applicants working in a broad range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to: Equitation science, Equine behaviour, Equine welfare, Systems biology, Equine physiology, Equine nutrition, and Equine genetics. Other complementary areas that advance equine health, welfare, management or performance will also be considered. 

Service responsibilities: The successful candidate will be expected to make significant contributions to the academic and professional community through service within the Department, College, University, and equine industry.
Responsibilities are expected to include: contributing to curriculum development during the transition to the new B.Sc.(Agr.) Equine Science major; serving on departmental and program committees; working closely with the Ontario Agricultural College Program Counsellor on student advising, transfer credit assessments, exchange students, graduation reviews, and recruitment; participating in student recruitment activities including Open House events and prospective student outreach; engaging with the Ontario and Canadian equine industries through professional organizations, extension activities, continuing education, or other forms of knowledge mobilization. 

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 September 30, 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 teaching and learning; 
(4) statement of research;
(5) statement of service to university and sector; and
(4) three referees that may be requested to provide reference letters
Questions about this position may be directed to Professor Anna Kate Shoveller at: ashovell@uoguelph.ca
Questions about the application process may be directed to Diana Rau, Administrative Officer, at drau@uoguelph.ca

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.

Date Posted: August 10, 2026
Deadline: September 30, 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: ashovell@uoguelph.ca