Lecturer / Senior Lecturer – Veterinary Ethology

About the role

The University of Pretoria invites applications for a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Ethology within the Department of Production Animal Studies. The successful candidate will join a leading research university and contribute to teaching, research, and community engagement focused on animal welfare, behaviour, and sustainable production systems.

Key responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses on animal production systems, veterinary ethology, and animal welfare.
• Supervise MSc and PhD students and support their research projects.
• Develop and deliver practical training in animal handling, welfare assessment, and production system evaluation.
• Conduct and publish research in accredited scientific journals.
• Engage with industry and community stakeholders, particularly in communal and emerging farming systems.
• Perform administrative duties as delegated by the Head of Department and contribute to departmental development.

Required profile

• BVSc, BVMCh or equivalent animal science qualification; registration as a Veterinarian with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
• For Senior Lecturer: an MSc with a focus on animal management and a record of at least five peer‑reviewed papers as senior author or co‑author in the past five years.
• Demonstrated experience in ruminant health, herd health, or animal production systems.
• Evidence of teaching ability in animal welfare, behaviour, and production systems.
• Research potential and a commitment to academic self‑development.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of animal management systems in Southern Africa.
• Expertise in animal behaviour, welfare assessment, and humane handling techniques.
• Experience with sustainable extensive, semi‑intensive, and intensive livestock systems.
• Ability to design and deliver practical, experiential training for students.
• Competence in supervising postgraduate research projects.