Assistant Director, Diagnostic Services (Veterinarian) 

 

Washington University in St. Louis seeks nominations and recommendations for a qualified veterinarian to take charge of our Diagnostic Laboratory.  Please see job req #50454 at Jobs.wustl.edu for more details.

 

This is a career defining opportunity for an experienced Laboratory Animal Veterinarian to join our staff of 9 veterinarians in providing laboratory animal services to the research staff at Washington University’s AAALAC-accredited program.

 

The Division of Comparative Medicine is embarking on an exciting growth phase, with the construction of a new animal facility, and further development of its existing programs in gnotobiotics, large animal surgery, non-human primate medicine, and laboratory diagnostics.  The new facility will have a state-of-the-art vertical vivarium design with one floor dedicated to NHPs and the capacity to hold 40,000 cages of rodents. Consistently ranked among the top medical schools by U.S. News and World Report, Washington University School of Medicine is one of the largest recipients of funding for research and training from the National Institutes of Health with more than $624 million supporting faculty research efforts; currently ranked 4th among all academic research institutions.

 

 

POSITION SUMMARY:  

This position is for an experienced laboratory animal veterinary medical specialist, responsible for the operation of the DCM Diagnostic Laboratory and the preventative, emergency and clinical veterinary medical care of the wide variety of laboratory animals used in the Washington University research program. Give care in compliance with all federal, state, University and laboratory animal science-specific regulations. Consults with principal investigators regarding research protocols and animal model development and use and reviews animal study protocols after their submission to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Directs DCM Diagnostic Services, which is responsible for carrying out the rodent sentinel program, providing clinical and research diagnostic services, such as hematology, clinical chemistry, and microbiology, and providing anatomic pathology and histopathology services.

 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·                  Directs the operations of the DCM Diagnostic lab, including supervision of four laboratory technicians, and support of export, import, and quarantine services for rodents.

·                  Consults with investigators regarding animal models, including spontaneous health problems, phenotyping, and, design, conduct and interpretation of pathology endpoints for animal model development.

·                  Provides veterinary medical care to research animals.

·                  Serves as responsible for regulatory compliance, protocol review and IACUC participation.

·                  Performs other duties as assigned.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

·        DVM or equivalent degree from an AVMA Council on Education accredited veterinary college or school.

·        Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine(ACLAM) or be board-eligible and have an equivalent five years of experience

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·        Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine(ACLAM).

·        Three to ten years of relevant experience in a research setting.

·        Proficient computer skills.

·        Eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Missouri.

·        Accreditation by the USDA.

·        Broad knowledge of laboratory animal health/medicine, diagnostics, pathology, treatment, surgical procedures, and clinical care of a wide variety of research animal species.

·        Anatomic pathology skills sufficient to conduct gross and histopathological exams of a wide variety of research animals.

·        Demonstrated decision making skills with the ability to work meeting goals and deadlines.

·        Ability to work collaboratively with principal investigators, research staff, veterinary staff, veterinary technicians and husbandry staff.

·        Strong knowledge of all applicable federal regulations, standards, and guidelines for all vertebrate animals used in teaching and research, including familiarity with AAALAC-International accreditation standards, as demonstrated in work history and credentials

·        Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication and organization skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the DCM and research staff.

·        Proficiency, knowledge and experience with computers and Microsoft Office Suite tools, including Outlook, Excel, Access, etc

 

 

Pre-employment Screening:

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. Current employees applying for a new position within the university may be subject to this requirement. The screenings will include a criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening

 

Benefits: This position is eligible for full-time benefits. See job posting for details.

 

EOE Statement: Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

 

About St. Louis:   Situated at the confluence of two great North American rivers — the Mississippi and the Missouri — the St. Louis region has been a favored destination since Lewis and Clark began their historic westward "Corps of Discovery" from the City in 1804.

 

Consistently ranked among the nation's most affordable and best places to live and raise a family, the St. Louis region offers many opportunities to watch or participate in a wide range of sports, recreational activities, and cultural events. Today, the pioneers of St. Louis are the engineers, scientists, business leaders, educators, artists, and other innovative and creative professionals who are working at the forefront of a multitude of fields and endeavors. Thanks in large part to Washington University, other regional universities, and key Fortune 500 corporations, St. Louis has become a national hub for important research and business development, especially in the fields of biotechnology and plant science. Washington University is a sponsor institution of the Cortex District, the Midwest’s premier innovation hub of bioscience and technology research, development, and commercialization, serving as the anchor of St. Louis’ growing ecosystem for innovative startup programs and established companies. Since its founding in 2002, $500 million has been invested in developing the district and another $2 billion has been committed to its full build out. Once complete, Cortex will offer 4 million square feet of facilities.