Lecturer/Senior Lecturer - Veterinary Ethology: Department of Production Animal Studies
University of Pretoria
UP Posting - Academic
FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF PRODUCTION ANIMAL STUDIES
LECTURER/SENIOR LECTURER: VETERINARY ETHOLOGY (ONE POST)
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above-mentioned vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
The Department seeks a dynamic veterinarian or animal scientist to contribute to
teaching, research, and engagement in animal production systems and veterinary ethology, with a focus on sustainability, welfare, and applied animal management.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will actively participate in:
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in:
-
Animal production systems within the South African context, including:
- Animal recording, trait classification, and functional efficiency;
- Sustainable extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive livestock systems;
- Communal farming systems in Southern Africa;
- Game farming and conservation-based management systems;
-
Veterinary ethology and animal welfare, including:
- Normal animal behaviour across domestic and wildlife species;
- Welfare assessment and ethical animal management;
- Safe, effective, and humane handling of animals;
- Practical procedures essential for clinical examination;
- Facilitation of practical and experiential training to ensure students develop competence in animal handling, welfare assessment, and production system evaluation;
- Supervise postgraduate students and contribute to research outputs in accredited journals;
- Administrative and other duties as delegated by the Head of Department; and
- Academic self-development;
- Develop collaborations with industry and community stakeholders;
- Participate in community engagement, particularly in communal and emerging farming systems;
- Perform administrative duties and contribute to departmental development; and
- Academic self-development.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Lecturer:
- BVSc or BVMCh or relevant Animal Science qualification;
- Registration as a Veterinarian with SAVC;
- Experience in ruminant health, herd health, or animal production systems;
- Demonstrated interest in teaching animal welfare, behaviour, and production systems; and
- Evidence of research potential.
Senior Lecturer:
- A BVSc or BVMCh degree or an equivalent veterinary qualification;
- An MSc with a focus on animal management;
- Registration as a Veterinarian with SAVC;
- Five or more research-based full papers in an accredited scientific journal as senior author and/or co-author in the last five years;
- Proven teaching experience in animal production systems and/or veterinary ethology; and
- Postgraduate supervision experience.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
- Strong knowledge of:
- Animal management systems in Southern Africa;
- Animal behaviour, welfare, and handling;
- Ability to integrate theory and practical training;
- Commitment to developing innovative and context-relevant curricula;
- Research interests appropriate to the position;
- Candidates without a PhD: Commitment to obtain further postgraduate qualification in a reasonable time;
- Good language and communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills;
- Generic teaching competence such as communication and presentation, word-processing, spreadsheets and social networking skills; and
- Critical thinking ability.
ADDED ADVANTAGES:
- Experience in animal welfare science or veterinary ethology;
- Experience working with communal or emerging farming systems;
- Evidence of integrating welfare into production systems; and
- Teaching innovation and curriculum development experience.
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
In applying for this post, please attach:
- A comprehensive CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications and professional registration;
- Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact; and
- Self-evaluation.
NB: Applications that do not include these documents will not be considered.
CLOSING DATE: 24 May 2026
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
For application-related enquiries: Ms Granny Maseko (
granny.maseko@up.ac.za), Tel: (012) 529 8495.
For enquiries relating to the post content: Prof Katja Koeppel (
katja.koeppel@up.ac.za), Tel: (012) 529 8496 or 0721732282.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 August 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.