The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is seeking applications for a diagnostic veterinary anatomic pathologist at Thompson Bishop Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory in Auburn, Alabama.

Thompson Bishop Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory is the central reference laboratory of the state animal diagnostic laboratory system that includes 3 ACVP board certified pathologists, 8 veterinary diagnosticians with multiple specialties, one avian trainee, and branch laboratories in Boaz, Elba, and Hanceville. The Thompson Bishop Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory is AAVLD accredited and is a NALHN level 1 lab. Laboratories provide animal disease diagnostic and regulatory testing with robust availability of ancillary diagnostics. The laboratory is located on the campus of the Auburn University, with close partnership with the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, which includes 7 ACVP board certified pathologists, strong connections to the Davis-Thompson foundation, and a thriving residency program. Auburn is a fast-growing college town with an excellent public school system, diverse restaurants, and abundant recreational opportunities for individuals and families alike. Auburn has easy access to several larger cities including Atlanta and Birmingham and is approximately 1.5 hours away from the Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport with direct flights all over the US. Chewacla State Park is located within the city limits and Lake Martin, a large recreation lake, with abundant water activities and hiking trails is less than an hour drive. Within a day’s drive are numerous beautiful gulf coast beaches, clear Florida springs, small mountain towns, and quintessential southern cities including New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston.

The focus of this position is contributing to the biopsy service, histopathology evaluations for branch/satellite laboratory cases, and performing necropsy and histopathology examinations for the necropsy service. The non-avian caseload will primarily include mammalian submissions and zoo and exotic cases with a focus on agriculture in the state and close connections with veterinarians, law enforcement, and humane societies in the surrounding area. The pathologist is responsible for conducting necropsy and histopathology evaluations, communicating with clients, interpreting test results, and participation in the laboratory Quality Management system. Mentorship is available for early career pathologists as well as opportunities for continuing education.

Job Responsibilities

The focus of this position is contributing to the biopsy service, histopathology evaluations for branch/satellite laboratory cases, and performing necropsy and histopathology examinations for the necropsy service. The non-avian caseload will primarily include mammalian submissions and zoo and exotic cases with a focus on agriculture in the state and close connections with veterinarians, law enforcement, and humane societies in the surrounding area. The pathologist is responsible for conducting necropsy and histopathology evaluations, communicating with clients, interpreting test results, and participation in the laboratory Quality Management system. Mentorship is available for early career pathologists as well as opportunities for continuing education.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an AVMA recognized school or college of veterinary medicine. Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) is preferred, or board eligibility for phase II of the ACVP examination.

Student Loan Option

This job classification qualifies for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program as a Type III Public Practice shortage. AL255 | National Institute of Food and Agriculture Additionally, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Benefits

Benefits include low-cost single coverage for health, vision, dental insurance with optional family health coverage, thirteen paid holidays per year, thirteen annual leave and sick days each per year with increases every 5 years, flexible employee benefit plans, and retirement plans with the Retirement Systems of Alabama including a defined benefit plan, and optional deferred compensation plans.

How to Apply / Contact

Please direct inquiries to:

Dr. Heather Walz, Director, Thompson Bishop Sparks State Diagnostic Lab, Phone: 334-328-6510 (cell) or Email: Heather.Walz@agi.alabama.gov