Description:
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Rutgers New Brunswick Department of Animal Sciences invites qualified candidates to apply for a 12-month tenured open-rank faculty position in the Extension Specialist title series within the Department of Animal Sciences. This position builds up the established strengths and traditions of the Rutgers Equine Science Center and the equine research program within Animal Sciences by focusing on equine physiology and possibly using the horse as a model for understanding the human-animal bond. Eligible candidates should have a background in equine science and management, with research areas including but not limited to horse and human interaction, behavior and welfare, nutrition, reproduction, exercise physiology, pasture and forage management, as well as experience in extension outreach to support equine stakeholders.
The New Jersey horse industry represents the largest sector of livestock production in the Garden State; it is valued at $4 billion and has an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion. The Rutgers Equine Sciences Center (Rutgers-ESC) has provided a decades-long commitment to the equine industry through research, teaching, and outreach/extension. The Rutgers-ESC has been a leading example of how Rutgers tenured research faculty, extension specialists, and non-tenure track faculty can work cohesively to support stakeholders and execute a mission of “better horse care through research and education.” The Rutgers-ESC mission aligns with the teaching mission of the Animal Sciences undergraduate program, and the Rutgers-ESC/Equine program has been a critical component and outward face of the experiential learning of the School of Environmental & Biological Sciences (SEBS) undergraduate and graduate students. The Department is committed to Rutgers’ land grant mission and the pursuit of excellence through its on-the-ground commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal of the Department of Animal Sciences and Rutgers University is that our faculty composition reflects the diversity of the people in New Jersey. We especially encourage applications from backgrounds underrepresented in the animal sciences including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
The Extension Specialist hired in this area will lead and expand targeted outreach initiatives, develop and deliver science-based educational programs, and collaborate with stakeholders to address emerging challenges in equine management. This includes: designing and implementing statewide equine management workshops focused on physiology, nutrition, welfare, and pasture systems; creating decision-support tools and resources for equine farm owners to improve environmental sustainability and economic viability; translating research findings into practical applications for horse owners and industry professionals; and supporting data-driven policy development by engaging with state agencies and industry groups on equine-related issues. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program that focuses on the core disciplines of animal science in areas mentioned above. Contributions to the Animal Sciences teaching program will include: developing and teaching new undergraduate and graduate courses in equine physiology, health, behavior, and management; supervising student-led research projects and internships; and integrating experiential learning opportunities such as field visits, hands-on labs, and community-based projects into the curriculum.
In general, the successful candidate should complement existing faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences, SEBS, NJAES, and RCE, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to promote the university's mission and values, and serve on department, college, and university committees as fitting a tenured position This position requires someone who builds connections and collaborations with industry and also with other faculty across disciplines and departments within NJAES/SEBS, as well as across Rutgers, including the Department of Psychology and Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Additional efforts could be realized with applied academic synergies with the Rutgers Brandt Behavioral Health Treatment Center and Retreat located adjacent to the Best Management Practice Demonstration Horse Farm at Ryders Lane. In addition, NJ offers connections with the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University.
Rutgers is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals covered by Section 503 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Section 402 of the Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 may self-identify. If you wish to self-identify, please do so in the cover letter transmitting your CV.
Required Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited institution with a doctorate in animal or equine science, or a related biological discipline. A minimum of 6 years of extension experience and a record of accomplishment (publications, grants, extension programming, etc.) demonstrating the potential for success. Knowledge and understanding of cooperative extension principles, mission, and roles are desirable. The candidate must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, behavior and welfare, horse and human interaction, nutrition, pasture and forage management, or other area of equine physiology.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to function effectively in classroom, field, and laboratory environments.
Proposed Start Date: September 1, 2026
To apply: Submit a single PDF that includes:
•CV
•Personal statement: Please address your value in this position to the Department and to the Land Grant Mission and the mission of Rutgers (https://www.rutgers.edu/about-rutgers).
•Statement of Values: Provide a statement that describes examples of you experiences in leadership, mentoring, and/or community engagement that resonate with the values and mission of Rutgers University as a land grant university serving a diverse state and student body.
•Research and Teaching Statement
•Extension portfolio
•Names/contacts of professional 3 references.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Carey A. Williams, Interim Director, Equine Science Center, Search Committee Chair, carey.williams@rutgers.edu.
Materials are due Dec. 1st, 2025.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, military service or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment.