Director Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Job Title:

Director of the Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program

Requisition Number: FE04642
Department:
College of Ag, Food and Environment

Work Location:

Lexington, KY
Type of Position:
Faculty, Full-Time, Tenure Track
Required

Education:

Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) in an appropriate discipline (e.g., experimental animal sciences, biology, biomedicine, social sciences, or related fields). Academic achievements and professional recognition commensurate with the rank of Professor at the University of Kentucky.

Required Experience:

Distinguished record of scholarship related to the human–animal bond, with a demonstrated record of high-impact, peer‑reviewed publications and successful leadership of diverse research teams in this area.

The University of Kentucky (UK) invites applications for the inaugural Director of the Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program
, an innovative and interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing the understanding of the human–companion animal bond. This unique program explores the psychological, physiological, and societal dimensions of human interactions with dogs, cats, horses, and other animals, and their mutual influence on health and well‑being.

The Director will serve as a visionary leader to establish and grow this new program into a nationally distinctive hub of research, instruction, and outreach. The successful candidate will champion interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing on the University’s robust expertise across multiple academic units and UK Health Care, and foster impactful partnerships with domestic animal industries, veterinary communities, and Kentucky’s healthcare entities.

• Leadership & Vision
  :
  Develop and implement a strategic roadmap for the Higgins‑Neyland Companion Animal Program in consultation with a university‑wide advisory committee.
• Research & Scholarship
  :
  Establish a nationally recognized research portfolio on the human–companion animal bond, with strong potential for external funding and scholarly impact.
• Instruction & Mentorship
  :
  Create innovative academic programming that integrates the study of the human–companion animal bond into UK’s curricula while mentoring the next generation of scholars.
• Engagement & Outreach
  :
  Partner with domestic animal industries, veterinary communities, and healthcare organizations to translate research into meaningful outcomes for society.
• Administration
  :
  Oversee the operation of the program, reporting to the Associate Dean for Research (Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment) and maintaining an academic appointment in the relevant home department.

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with comprehensive rewards, focusing on total well‑being and career development. The university generously contributes to retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance, and offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance and additional retirement plans. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• A letter of interest summarizing qualifications, area of expertise, career goals, and vision for development of an extramurally funded program that would advance the human‑companion animal bond.
• Current curriculum vitae, containing names and contact information (emails and phone numbers) of at least three professional references who can address, in their professional judgment, performance in advancing the scholarly field, significance of publication venues and grant involvement, instructional accomplishments, and professional service. Indicate relationship to the reference.
• Academic transcripts (unofficial for application – official required for appointment).

Applications should be submitted by November 3, 2025
. The position will remain open until filled, with anticipated start date as soon as January 1, 2026, or as negotiated. All questions may be directed to Mary Beth Bracken, marybeth.bracken.

Proven ability to develop and sustain interdisciplinary collaborations across diverse academic and professional contexts.

Open until filled.

University of Kentucky provides equal opportunities for qualified persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, creed, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. All applicants are encouraged to apply.