If you’re interested in sharing and pursuing your knowledge of animal welfare and behaviour, you might be considering an academic career in animal science.
Here we show you what it’s like to work as a lecturer in this rewarding discipline and give you tips on how to find jobs and progress your career.
What is Animal Science?
Animal science is the study of animals under human control, such as pets and farm animals. Both animal science and zoology are branches of biology, however, zoology focuses on the study of Animal Science Jobs Profilethe animal kingdom, whereas animal science is concerned with the interaction between humans and animals and animal biology, health, breeding and management.
Research in this field is vital to developing sustainable agricultural practices and improving animal welfare. Animal scientists work in a wide range of industries and settings, from farming to food production. They also work in higher education, government departments (e.g., DEFRA in the UK), and in veterinary healthcare.
Animal Science Jobs
Animal science lecturers teach and train students in higher and further education (agricultural colleges). Higher education lecturers also conduct research relating to areas such as animal welfare, livestock farming and conservation.
Duties include:
- Teaching and assessing undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Developing multidisciplinary curriculum content.
- Conducting and supervising research aligned with the programme of the institution.
- Attracting and applying for external funding for innovative research.
- Publication and promotion of peer-reviewed research outcomes.
- Organising and supervising student projects and work placements.
- Presenting at and attending events and conferences associated with animal science.
How to become an Animal Science Lecturer
To work in a university you will generally need to have a PhD and some postdoctoral research experience. In further education, employers will be looking for professional expertise working in industries such as farming or food production.
Essential qualifications
- A first degree in animal science, zoology, animal management or related area.
- A PhD in animal science, zoology or a related area (higher education lecturers).
- A higher or further education teaching qualification (or willingness to gain).
Experience and knowledge
Practical knowledge and experience of animal handling, management and welfare would be essential for a lecturing role. If you’re looking at jobs in a university, you would also need to demonstrate previous research experience and preferably have postdoctoral experience. A track record in research grant submission and teaching and supervising students at all levels would also be essential.
Interdisciplinary knowledge across animal species and related areas would be a must, as you will be teaching students following a range of related courses.
What’s the pay?
As an animal science lecturer in higher education, you can expect a salary in the range of £38,205 to £44,263 p.a. For further education, you can expect a salary of around £22,376 to £34,574 p.a.
What can it lead to?
Your next step on the academic career path would be to apply for a senior lecturer or associate professor in animal science role. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching, research and collaboration. If you’re working as a further education lecturer in an agricultural college or vocational training organisation, you could be promoted to curriculum lead or head of department.
Where can I find jobs?
Animal science is a popular degree programme among students, leading to careers in animal nutrition and behaviour, conservation and wildlife biology. It is taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and in vocational/animal management courses in further education. Therefore, you will find a wide range of related jobs in academia and external organisations.
Take a look at our current animal science and related biosciences jobs here at jobs.ac.uk and get the latest roles straight to your inbox by registering for a jobs-by-email alert.
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