Job Summary
The Office of Animal Resources Facility (OAR) at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is dedicated to providing the highest quality of veterinary medical care, husbandry, enrichment and professional technical support to enable the scientists and their interdisciplinary research to over 20 departments, 5 colleges, and approximately 500 investigative staff.
WesternU now seeks a highly trained full-time Attending Veterinarian who reports to the Senior Vice President for Research & Biotechnology and works closely with the Operations Manager / Director.
While working closely with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for continued evaluation of the facility for ongoing research that utilizes animals for research, breeding, teaching and testing, supporting the faculty in developing animal research protocols, evaluate IACUC protocols and general operations of all WesternU vivarium (approx.
20,000 square feet) including laboratory animal research services in 4 campus laboratory animal facilities, including 1 in WesternU-Northwest campus in Lebanon, Oregon.
The OAR has a staff of 8, including animal care technicians and managers. All animal facilities associated with the Pomona and Lebanon campus are NIH OLAW-certified.
Position : Attending Veterinarian with training or experience in laboratory animal science, who has direct or delegated authority and responsibility for activities involving laboratory animals at the institutional animal facility.
The Attending Veterinarian will work in conjunction with the IACUC for oversight of the animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Policy) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals ( Guide ) .
The oversight functions include an ongoing assessment of animal care and use such as : · Review, at least semiannually, the institution’s program for the humane care and use of animals.
- Perform a site visit and inspect, at least semiannually, the institution’s animal facilities (California and Oregon).· Review the IACUC protocols if and when significant changes / alterations are requested by the principal investigator.
- Responsible for vet verification process of IACUC protocol reviews.· Must be readily available for treating and inspecting the laboratory animals, evaluating animal welfare concerns.
- Make recommendations to the IACUC and Institutional Official on any aspect of the animal program, facilities, policies or personnel training.
- Review and approve, those components of PHS conducted or supported activities related to the care and use of animals. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities The position requires knowledge and skills on :
In depth familiarity with the regulations and guidance of the various oversight agencies (USDA, PHS, AAALAC, etc.).Familiarity with conducting IACUC protocol reviews and veterinary verification processes.
Animal welfare and research support services to Principal Investigators engaged in animal research.The selection, acquisition, and use of research animals and developing educational materials and training for researchers on the humane use of animals in research.
- Familiar with working with the IACUC, protocol reviews, and working with the IACUC to implement proper research practices.
- Monitor the health of animals used for research and provide clinical evaluations Required Qualifications
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an AVMA-accredited program
- Board-eligible for the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) boards
- Veterinary licensure in at least one state in the United States
- At least three years’ experience as a Laboratory Animal / Clinical Veterinarian
- Must have experience preparing annual budget for per diem cost sharing to assist the Managers in preparing.
- Ability to work flexible schedule as needed on workload and deadlines
- Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
- Thorough understanding of all policies and regulations governing animal-based research in the United States as well as AAALAC accreditation process and perform good practices.
Preferred Qualifications Clinical Residency in Laboratory Animal Medicine / Comparative Medicine will be considered an advantage
- Experience in USDA-covered species will be preferred
- Ability to obtain USDA accreditation within 6-months of employment
- Evidence of research and teaching experienceDiplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Essential Job Duties Key Responsabilities The incumbent provides continued leadership and vision in the development of research protocols and establishing rates for animal care.
- Develop and implement efficient business operations, oversee the purchase of animals, equipment, supplies and services This should be part of the Manager / Director’s duties
- Participate in developing plans for remodeling or building new laboratory animal facilities, attend planning meetings and workshops
- Monitor the safety of research animals, proper conduct of the IACUC and IBC protocols, and other duties assigned by the Manager / Director· Assists with providing clinical and surgical support for the entire animal program.
- Support and assist the Office of Animal Resources· Must live or be near campus.· Oversee the animal care of the institution Key Responsabilities Support OAR staff members and oversee the animal husbandry and veterinary care components of the program
- Assist with optimizing the physical environment of laboratory animals by advising on proper feeding, care and husbandry, environmental enrichment, and transportation of animals
- Ensure that adequate training opportunities are provided for investigators, students, animal care and ancillary staff in animal handling and safety, as well as basic sampling and research methods
- Provide general information and research support service to animal users such as consultation on grant proposals and budgets, development of animal models and design of experiments, appropriate animal numbers, housing and husbandryProvide input and correction to IACUC policies, or protocols. Key Responsabilities
- Interact extensively with all WesternU researchers on the selection, acquisition and use of research animals and provide educational materials and training for researchers on the use of animals in research
- develop and implement a University strategy for enhancing research productivity, and acquiring external funding for animal research This is part of my job duties. I would take it out
- Work with the Office of Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional laws, regulations, policies and guidelines concerning the animal care program Key Responsabilities
- Assist with USDA, OLAW, IACUC and CDC site visits, audits, and other inspections or reviews as the need arises to ensure the OAR meets or exceeds all regulatory and animal welfare requirements.
Our goal is to submit application for AAALAC-accreditation within next 2-3 years.
Other duties as assigned. Posting Details Continued Work Schedule Normal business hours Monday thru Friday Working at WesternU
We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and / or family needs.
We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.
We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,
- Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
- Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
- As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
- WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
- We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!
Expected Pay Scale Minimum $140,000.00 Maximum $150,000.00