About Us The Animal Care and Veterinarian Services program is dedicated to advancing safe and ethical animal-based science at Western and its affiliates by offering the following services: - Provision of excellent and standardized care for a diverse range of research animals through a) oversight of animal husbandry, b) provision and management of high-quality facilities and Veterinarian services, and c) a high-quality training program for animal users and caregivers - Oversight of animal-based research activities and spaces at Western and city-wide affiliates - Post-approval monitoring of animal use protocols and quality assurance/care programs - Ensuring the provision of the highest-quality animal health monitoring and health status that align with guidelines of provincial and national regulatory bodies
Responsibilities The Attending Veterinarian will be accountable for providing leadership and direction to the Clinical Veterinarian component of the Animal Care and Veterinarian Services program associated with Western University and affiliated institutions. In support of the Vice President (Research), the Executive Director of Animal Care and Veterinarian Services, and in collaboration with the Animal Care Committee, the Attending Veterinarian will ensure that the University and its city-wide affiliates are fully compliant with national and provincial laws and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures, governing all aspects of the animal care program. The Attending Veterinarian will ensure that scientists and their staff and trainees are supported in achieving their research objectives through the provision of services that ensure the health, welfare and approved use of all non-human animals in animal-based science activities. The Attending Veterinarian will provide guidance regarding operational issues and initiatives, including the development and upgrades of animal care facilities as required to support the research and relevant regulatory requirements by providing updates and reports to the Executive Director of ACVS. In addition, the Executive Director and Attending Veterinarian will collaborate to develop and nurture relationships both internally and externally to identify opportunities to deliver and enhance services and optimize resources, leading to the successful delivery of outcomes for animal-based scientists at Western and city-wide affiliate research community.
Qualifications
Education: - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with an active license from the College of Veterinarians of Ontario - Post-graduate training in laboratory animal medicine - Active license from the College of Veterinarians of Ontario - Board certification by ACLAM preferred
Experience: - Minimum 10 years experience as a licensed veterinarian in a research laboratory animal setting involving a variety of species - Minimum 10 years experience managing the clinical aspects of an animal care program and team, in a research environment - Minimum 5 years experience in a senior level management position in an animal care program, preferably in an academic environment - Demonstrated experience building and maintaining effective teams - Experience ensuring compliance with and developing Animal Use Protocols an asset - Experience working in a unionized environment preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - In-depth knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing animal-based science - In-depth knowledge of best approaches for monitoring and maintaining animal health - Technically proficient in veterinary diagnosis, treatment and with surgical and anesthetic procedures in a multi-species environment - Knowledge of strategic planning processes with an ability to identify long-range goals and design realistic plans to attain them - Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, collegial relationships with colleagues, researchers, and their staff - High degree of professionalism with an ability to work effectively with internal and external clients at all levels of management within a highly confidential context - Ability to provide clinical animal care and on-call coverage for the animal care program - Ability to organize and effectively deploy human resources (veterinarians and project RVTs) needed to achieve results – including clinical duties, on-call assignments, animal use protocol reviews - Capacity to handle risk and uncertainty, while being decisive in ambiguous situations, with an ability to recommend controls to manage operational and legal risks - Leadership skills with the ability to inspire employees and develop a shared vision to lead a team to excellence - Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to maintain a current knowledge of animal care techniques - Ability to promote individual growth by encouraging others to learn new skills and develop themselves - Ability to work well under pressure and use good judgment in assessing difficult situations - Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s activities - Demonstrated integrity and acts in accordance with Western's professional, ethical and procedural framework
Background Checks Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce current record check(s) (e.g. vulnerable sector, criminal record and police information) from a police service prior to commencing employment.
Western Values Diversity The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.
Please Note: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
Interested applicants are asked to visit https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #32167 by midnight on December 16th 2023.
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