Lecturer in Public Policy Related to Animal Welfare

The Department of Comparative Pathobiology in Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is seeking a lecturer in public policy related to animal welfare. The successful candidate will have a broad understanding of policy development and implementation related to animal shelters and rescue societies and their impact on human-animal interactions, and in qualitative and quantitative methods to inform policy development and to investigate the impact of policy decisions. The successful candidate, who will be a member of the Center for Animals and Public Policy, will teach in course-based master's programs and in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

The Center for Animals and Public Policy (CAPP), through its research and outreach programs advances policy analysis, education, and service pertaining to the important roles animals play in society and explores the ethical, social, and political implications of the human-animal relationship. The work done at CAPP focuses on four core areas: companion animal welfare and behavior, human-animal relationships, human-wildlife interactions, and policy and practice of animal use. CAPP is home to the course-based Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP). Within the Cummings School, CAPP contributes to the Veterinary Medicine, Animals & Society Thread in the DVM program and offers electives open to all graduate students and as selective to DVM students. In addition to conducting formal classes and guiding student research, CAPP holds public seminars, conferences, and other special events.

As a lecturer track faculty member, this position is expected to deliver the equivalent of four to six, 3-credit courses per year. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in human-companion animal interactions from a policy and community action perspective and experience in service and educational activities that support the health and welfare of companion animals and the people who care for them in the home, clinics, and shelters. An understanding of animal behavior, especially in the context of human-animal interactions, is considered an asset. The successful candidate will have expertise in research design methodology for qualitative and quantitative social science research such as surveys, experimental design, interviews, and focus groups. The successful applicant will also mentor and supervise master's students in MAPP completing capstone externships and research projects.

As a faculty member, service to the school, university, and community is expected. Research is not a required component of a lecturer track appointment, but engagement in collaborative research and scholarly activity, time permitting, is encouraged.

This position, in accordance with school policies, is a renewable term position. It is not eligible for appointment with continuous term or tenure.

The successful applicant will hold a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field. The candidate must have a record of excellence in teaching at the university level, specifically at the master's and/or doctoral level, and in mentoring individual students. Demonstrated expertise in policy development and analysis, quantitative and qualitative social science research, and human-animal interactions related to companion animals and animal shelters and rescues is required. Expertise may be demonstrated through successful professional activities or scholarly activity. Familiarity with Qualtrics, database management, and SPSS or other data-analytical platforms is required. Extensive teaching experience in social science research and companion animal behavior and welfare at the graduate level is required, along with a track record of encouraging and mentoring individual students and student research. The rank of the successful applicant will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

Review of applications will begin on February 16, 2026. Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing their qualifications, clinical experience, scholarly interests, and teaching experience. In the cover letter, please also address your strengths and experiences in fostering an inclusive environment in the areas of teaching, research, and/or service. Applicants should provide the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references.

The salary range for lecturers is $75,000 - $105,000. Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate's experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered within the posted range will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual's education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations.

Application materials should be submitted through the Interfolio link here. Questions about the application process may be directed to the Department Chair, Dr. Andrea Varela-Stokes.

Cummings School is situated in Grafton, MA on a 600-acre pastoral campus, forty-five minutes west of Boston and next door to Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts. A virtual tour of the campus is available here. There is a regional rail service stop adjacent to campus and easy access to cultural and sporting events. The campus is a short drive from beautiful beaches, mountains, and other unique features of New England. The area is a hub of biotechnology and higher education. The K-12 education system is excellent. Housing is readily available close to campus or in any number of surrounding towns. Links to faculty policies and procedures and human resources benefits can be found here.