Clinical Veterinarian

Percent Time: 100%
Work Schedule/Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30. Some weekends, nights, and holidays will be required.

POSITION OVERVIEW
This University of Minnesotaâ™s department of Research Animal Resources (RAR) is searching for a clinical veterinarian to provide preventative, emergency, and routine veterinary medical care for laboratory animals used in the University of Minnesotaâ™s AAALAC-accredited research program. This position interacts regularly with a variety of personnel, including students, staff, faculty, and senior leadership. We are seeking an autonomous, motivated, and service-oriented team player to join a flexible, fun, and driven group of veterinarians and staff within RAR. 


In addition to traditional clinical work, the RAR veterinary team also aids in regulatory compliance, research support, teaching, process development and implementation, and a potential for independent or collaborative research. The team works with veterinary students at the University of Minnesotaâ™s College of Veterinary Medicine and plays an active role in the Minnesota Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Consortium. Veterinary faculty are expected to teach, mentor, and support residents within the program. Additionally, the clinical veterinary team has the responsibility and latitude to identify areas for process refinements, develop plans to achieve identified improvements, and to initiate the steps for implementation and completion. 

RAR is embarking on an exciting growth phase with development of and upgrades to existing facilities and expanding research into gnotobiotics and new non-human primate models. In light of this expansion, this position reflects an increase in the number of current clinical veterinarians on staff. RARâ™s team of veterinarians consists of the institution's attending veterinarian, the director of veterinary services, seven clinical veterinarians, and up to three veterinary residents. Depending on individual employee qualifications, a subset of the seven clinical veterinarians may qualify as senior clinical veterinarians at any given time. 

Please note that within the research environment there is the potential for exposure to hazardous and infectious materials including, (but not limited to) chemotherapeutic agents, radioactive substances, allergens, excessive noise, and/or zoonotic pathogens. The ability to move / lift / restrain animals is required.

The anticipated salary range of this position is $116,000 - $140,000 depending on qualifications. 




POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:


Clinical Care (40%)
Provide preventative, emergency, and routine veterinary care to research animals within the University of Minnesota system.
As indicated by the medical condition of the individual animal(s): Examine, diagnose, prescribe medication, perform surgery, and provide methods for humane euthanasia if necessary.
Perform rounds of all animals in assigned clinical areas on a regular basis.
Communicate exam findings and treatment recommendations to veterinary technicians and research personnel.
Provide emergency veterinary services after-hours, holidays, and weekends on a rotating basis, including responding to housing facility issues in concert facilities maintenance staff as it relates to animal welfare concerns.
Pending USDA accreditation status, review, approve, and sign interstate and/or internal health certificates

Support for Regulatory Compliance Programs (15%):
Participate in design and review of research protocols, either through direct participation on committees such as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee or the Institutional Biosafety Committee, or by request directly from principal investigators and/or their staff.
Advise investigators on appropriate medications, procedures, and model design.
Ensure that animal transportation, housing, and use comply with internal processes in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, University policy, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Assist with purchase, use, documentation, and disposal of veterinary medical substances (including DEA controlled substances) and comply with internal processes in accordance with federal and state laws. 

Teaching/Training (15%):
Create and offer lectures, labs, and seminars for veterinary students, animal care staff, veterinary technicians, area supervisors, and research staff and/or faculty.
Provide training for graduate veterinarians in the laboratory animal medicine training program, Minnesota Laboratory Animal Medicine Consortium, via seminars, journal clubs, and clinical rounds.
Research, write and amend reference documents for direct use in teaching researchers, students, RAR employees, or other individuals associated with the University.
Assist in training new veterinary technicians.
Mentor, train, and support veterinary colleagues and students.
Mentor veterinary residents in the training program to develop and execute research projects as part of their required training, including writing grant proposals to secure project funding.


Process Development and Implementation: (15%)
Identify areas for process improvement within the department and assisting with implementing and communicating changes.
Review, follow, and provide recommendations for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standards of Care (SOC) and assist with implementing updates.
Provide feedback on how to enhance training at the institution and assist with communicating changes as needed.
Determine how to further enhance educational programs for veterinary students and residents and assist in implementing changes to the program.
Provide leadership for departmental subcommittees such as employee engagement, environmental enrichment, ergonomics, and/or team development.
Professional development (10%)
Participate in independent or collaborative research projects related to clinical laboratory animal medicine or other fields of study.
Participate in department, college, and University events, meetings, projects, and initiatives.  
Participate in national meetings, training, and/or committees related to the field of laboratory animals and laboratory animal medicine.
Additional Duties (5%):
The RAR Director and Director of Veterinary Services may change or assign other duties to this position.



MEDICAL, PHYSICAL, & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:


A current Tetanus vaccine is required
An annual Tuberculosis screening is required
An annual Influenza vaccine is required 
A protective measles titer is required or measles vaccination (if never vaccinated) or booster (if titer does not convey protection) is required
A rabies vaccine or titer is offered unless the employee wishes to fill out a declination form
Powered Air Purifying Respirator or N95 Masks may be required due to exposure of animal allergens when working in certain environments and conditions.
An annual hearing test is required due to facilities with noise levels requiring screening
Employees may work in wet rooms or around large industrial cage washers
Employees may work in outside environments in all weather conditions
Employees should be prepared to lift up to fifty (50) pounds

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary school, or certification of veterinary training through programs such as ECFVG and PAVE plus at least two (2) years of experience as a practicing veterinarian 
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines both independently and as part of a team
Demonstrated effectiveness in problem identification and problem solving with complex and sensitive issues
Capable of accepting responsibility with a high level of independent initiative, proactivity, and creativity
License to practice veterinary medicine in Minnesota is required within 3 months of start date

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1 year or more experience or training in the field of laboratory animal medicine
ACLAM Certification, ACLAM eligibility, or qualifications leading to eligibility
Working knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing the use of animals in research, AAALAC-accreditation, and important industry guidelines (e.g. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Ag Guide, Occ Health, etc.).
Advanced computer skills including experience with spreadsheets/word processing, presentation formats (presentation software and presenting virtually), and ability to learn new clinical and regulatory software systems.
 

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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