Associate Director, LAM Clinical Veterinarian,, Academia
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Position Summary: Clinical Veterinarian Assistant Director
The Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) at a prestigious institution is looking for a highly customer-focused individual to join our team as an Assistant Director and clinical veterinarian in the field. Our research programs cover a wide variety of biomedical studies and areas, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, alcoholism, hematopoietic cancer, behavioral research, aging, and gene therapy. At LARC, we provide thorough care and housing for multiple species of laboratory animals, with a particular focus on swine, dogs, rabbits, frogs, and rodents. Our program is accredited by AAALAC International and consists of a dedicated team of around 90 animal program staff members, which includes seven veterinarians.
This position is a non-tenured research track faculty role. The initial faculty rank is classified as an assistant scientist. However, individuals with documented academic rank advancement may qualify for the associate scientist faculty rank.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements governing animal use in biomedical research, including the Animal Welfare Act & Regulations, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, local policies, and other relevant regulations.
- Provide veterinary preventive, clinical, diagnostic, technical, and surgical services, with a focus on species regulated by the USDA, frogs, laboratory mice, and rats. Conduct regular rounds and check-ins.
- Perform routine surgeries such as spay/neuter, jugular/carotid catheter implantation, and other surgeries required for experimental model development.
- Assist researchers in constructing grant budgets for technical and surgical services. Organize preparatory planning meetings with researchers prior to project initiation. Manage the procurement and maintenance of supplies for studies, ensuring effective oversight and communication. Keep track of supplies and labor for accurate billing.
- Communication with internal and external customers regarding significant changes in animal health, husbandry/environment, and study conduct.
- Review vendor health records and animal orders. Assist with import/export processes.
- Provide consultation to investigators on anesthesia, analgesia, surgery, breeding, housing/environment, hazards, model selection, protocol writing, and other study-related needs.
- Participate in training programs for LARC employees, research personnel, veterinary residents, veterinary students, and others. Develop and deliver training content for classes and instructional purposes.
- Offer expertise and assistance in specialty areas such as GLP, immune-compromised animals, gnotobiotic animals, hazards, or ABSL-2/3 restricted areas as needed.
- Provide leadership within operations teams to proactively prevent issues, identify opportunities, and solve complex challenges.
- Directly or indirectly supervise and oversee veterinary technical staff, supervisors, and other operational staff. Fulfill human resource responsibilities that include hiring, mentoring, coaching, and performance management.
- Assist in the writing or updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.
- Serve on department, campus, and university committees as assigned (e.g., IACUC, IBC). Review IACUC and IBC protocols and conduct post-approval monitoring.
- Stay informed about developments in laboratory animal medicine, animal care, and scientific advancements.
- Take part in the quality assurance program. Conduct regular facility inspections, perform quality checks, and oversee maintenance of the surgical suite.
- Participate in site visits and audits conducted by external oversight organizations such as AAALAC-International, USDA, OLAW, DEA, and the State of Indiana Board of Pharmacy.
- Share on-call services for after-hours and holiday emergencies on a rotational basis with other veterinary staff members.
- Perform other assigned duties as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to handle and have prolonged exposure to all common laboratory animal species.
- Availability for full-time on-site work.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an AVMA-accredited program.
- Current license to practice veterinary medicine in at least one state in the United States, with eligibility for licensure in Indiana.