"Assistant/Associate Professor of Diagnostic Bacteriology and Mycology"

Job Details

Job Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Diagnostic Bacteriology and Mycology

Requisition Number: FE04630

Department Name: 81140:Veterinary Science

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Type of Position: Faculty

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Tenant Track Status: Tenure Track

Required Education: PhD or DVM

Required Related Experience: Demonstrated ability as a productive scientist in areas relevant to veterinary bacteriology/mycology as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or scientific presentations

Required License/Registration/Certification: None

Job Summary:

Position Description: The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL), Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE) invites applications for a faculty position focused on bacteriology and mycology. This is a tenure-eligible faculty position in the Department of Veterinary Science, with a 12-month faculty appointment in the Special Title Series. Initial appointment will be at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank with tenure eligibility and an anticipated distribution of effort of 75% service and 25% research. The appointee is expected to serve as the section head of the UKVLD’s Bacteriology and Mycology laboratory with oversight of daily diagnostic testing, new test development, and process improvement as part of the service appointment. In addition, the appointee will be involved in applied research in veterinary microbiology and in shared committee work as needed at the UKVDL, Department of Veterinary Science, the M-G CAFE, and/or the university level, as needed. Direct and indirect communication with veterinarians and animal producers regarding diagnostic cases is an important role for the person in this position. The appointment is subject to formal approval by Provost and the Board of Trustees.

UKVDL is a full service, veterinary diagnostic laboratory that serves Kentucky’s signature equine industry, substantial beef cattle and poultry industries, and small ruminants, wildlife and companion animal populations. UKVDL is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and is an active member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).

Position Responsibilities: Our new colleague will oversee the Bacteriology and Mycology laboratory and technicians to ensure that test results are reported in a timely and accurate manner. The candidate is encouraged to develop an extramurally funded research program related to veterinary diagnostics, collaborate with colleagues internal and external to the department, and implement and validate new diagnostic assays to further support Kentucky’s animal industries. Additionally, the candidate will develop and implement a sound vision and strategy for the Bacteriology and Mycology laboratory to ensure continuous quality improvement and AAVLD accreditation. Creative use of diagnostic case materials for applied research projects, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications is required. Further participation and service to university committees, professional organizations, and continuing medical education are required.

Required qualifications: The successful candidate shall have the following academic/professional qualifications:

a. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent or a PhD degree in microbiology (or related field)
b. Demonstrated ability as a productive scientist in areas relevant to veterinary bacteriology/mycology as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or scientific presentations
c. Experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory
d. Possession of excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills and the ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere

Preferred qualifications: The following professional qualifications and experiences are preferred:

a. DVM plus PhD in microbiology
b. Board-certification or board-eligibility in the American College of Veterinary Microbiology (ACVM)
c. Record of communication of test results and interpretations to clinicians.
d. Record of supervision of diagnostic laboratory staff.

Criteria for Promotion: Appointment to the position will be at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor, based on the applicant’s qualifications. Promotion will be based on review of the areas of (i) diagnostic service, (ii) oversight of the bacteriology/mycology section, (iii) research, (iv) university and public/professional service, and (v) attainment of professional status and peer recognition. An assessment of the candidate’s level of performance in each of these areas will be made by peer evaluation. These will include internal faculty, and external referees both identified by the candidate and independent of the candidate.

Evaluation of a candidate’s performance specifically will be based upon (i) research published in refereed journals, books, conference proceedings, reports, etc. (ii) providing timely and accurate diagnostic service to clinicians and animal producers (iii) developing and validating new diagnostic tests, (iv) obtaining nationally competitive or other extramural funding in support of her/his research program; and (v) oversight of the bacteriology/mycology laboratory.

Criteria for evaluating the candidate’s contribution to university and public/professional service may include (i) extent and effectiveness of service on departmental, college or university committees, panels, forums, boards, etc.; (ii) public service involving professional activities that emanate from the special competence of the individual in her/his area of expertise; (iii) participation and leadership in professional societies, specialty-organizations, review panels, scientific conferences, etc.; and (iv) review of journal manuscripts, grant applications, etc.

Application Process: Along with the application, applicants must submit a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, and the names/contact information of three individuals who can serve as professional references when prompted in the application.

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants may contact Dr. Alan Loynachan for questions at alan.loynachan@uky.edu.