Director of Laboratory Animal Medical Services-Attending Veterinarian

Director of Laboratory Animal Medical Services-Attending Veterinarian

The University of Cincinnati Office of Research is currently recruiting applicants for the position of Director of Laboratory Animal Medical Services-Attending Veterinarian. The successful candidate will be responsible for the strategic oversight and operations of a complex academic animal facility with 3 vivariums and other satellite housing locations across campus. The Director’s primary responsibility is to promote excellent, ethical animal research at the university. To do this the candidate must have a strong working knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations and accreditation standards (USDA, OLAW/PHS Policy, AAALAC International). Applicants should have at least five years of leadership experience of an AAALAC accredited animal facility, including all aspects of operations and clinical care and have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with researchers in a fast paced, multi-disciplinary environment. Candidates should be highly organized and motivated with excellent communication skills. Additionally, this position demands a leader who can maintain a learning-based environment and foster team building while managing budgetary constraints. Preference will be given to applicants who have a DVM or equivalent degree and are board certified in laboratory animal medicine (DACLAM). Collaborative research experience is strongly encouraged.

Essential Functions

Provide recommendations and training on animal handling, laboratory techniques, sedation, analgesia, anesthesia, surgical and post-surgical care, and other procedures. Provide diagnostic necropsy and coordinate pathological analysis of animals. Provide consultation and instruction to researchers in animal care and use including assistance in the design and/or implementation of specialized procedures, behavioral testing and breeding protocols. Provide veterinary support and consultation on IACUC protocols. Serve as a voting member on the IACUC. Work with the IACUC on preparation of documents and correspondence, and in collaboration with the IACUC Office and Chair, acts as a liaison for UC, internal administrators and external regulatory and accrediting agencies (e.g., OLAW, DoD, USDA, AAALAC). Prepare for, and participate in, institutional site visits by external oversight organizations (e.g. AAALAC, USDA, OLAW). Assist with evaluation/selection of new animal models and techniques and refinement of experimental procedures to enhance animal welfare. Assist and direct research and animal care staff training, including provision of continuing education and career development of LAMS staff. Interact with colleagues (e.g., IACUC) and representatives of outside regulatory agencies (e.g., USDA) fulfilling key regulatory responsibilities. Work as a team member in close partnership with the IACUC Office and Chair regarding overall animal program and regulatory functions. Work collaboratively with safety offices (Biosafety, Environmental Health and Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, and Radiation Safety) and Facilities Management as well as with industry partners and animal resource vendors. Oversee rodent biosecurity, disease prevention, and colony management. Oversee all operational and financial aspects of LAMS. Oversee animal imports/exports and the rodent health surveillance program. Serve as primary point of contact for dealing with violations, occupational health and safety issues and facility security. Inform and advise university leadership regarding issues and policies pertaining to animal care, use and welfare. Ensure the condition and care of the animal facility is in compliance with institutional standards and policies; local, state, and federal regulations; and accreditation guidelines. May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.). Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

Doctoral Degree from a college or school of veterinary medicine that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or a certificate from either the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary

Education

• Equivalence (PAVE).

• Required Trainings/Certifications

• Board Certification with the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).

• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in at least one (1) state is required with the requirement to obtain an Ohio license within one (1) year.

• Practitioner license (or license-eligibility) from the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

• Current National Veterinary Accreditation – Category II (USDA accreditation).

• Required Experience

• Seven (7) years in laboratory animal medicine.

• Five (5) years of animal facility administrative experience (leadership and/or managerial) within an academic environment.

• Additional

Qualifications

• Considered

• Advanced research degrees (PhD, MS).

• Additional veterinary certifications.

• Experience working with unionized staff.

• Experience with faculty renovation and modernization.

• Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

• Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

• Comprehensive Tuition Remission

• UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

• Robust Retirement Plans

• As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

• Real Work-Life Balance UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

• Vacation and sick time

• 11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

• 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

• Additional

Benefits

Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)

• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs

• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

• UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.