"Open Rank"

Job Details

Position Summary

The Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AVDL), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA invites applications for a full-time Veterinary Microbiologist with a keen interest in and enthusiasm for diagnostic microbiology and molecular biology. This is a twelve-month faculty position and can be either clinical (non-tenure) or tenure track with appointment at the level of assistant, associate, or full professor in a fully accredited diagnostic laboratory and NAHLN member.

This position will oversee bacteriology, mycology, and molecular biology sections of the AVDL as the Section Head of Microbiology. This position will also be in charge of the Research & Development initiatives of the AVDL. This position would collaborate with faculty within and outside the AVDL toward developing new assay platforms and methodologies, and expanding our services. The AVDL is a fully accredited diagnostic laboratory by the Association of American Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, that is also a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The laboratory provides services for veterinarians in the State of Georgia and beyond, and the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The AVDL performs more than 130,000 tests from more than 53,000 case submissions per year that include specimens from a wide variety of species such as dogs, cats, horses, pigs. small and large ruminants, New World camelids, and occasionally other animal species such as birds, reptiles, etc. The position will have emphasis on diagnostic service, and applied research toward development and validation of novel diagnostic assays and platforms. Teaching opportunities for the successful candidate include graduate, professional and undergraduate level courses offered by the Department of Infectious Diseases and/or Department of Pathology.

The percent commitment for this position would include up to 40% research, 50% diagnostic service, and 10% teaching /scholarly activities. Salary, rank, and terms of appointment will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants are asked to submit the following: (1) a detailed curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s commitment to diagnostic service, research, and teaching; and (3) the name, titles, and contact information for three professional references. Applicants should arrange to have three confidential letters of recommendation submitted. The letters should address the candidate’s experience in a diagnostic laboratory setting, research experience, leadership qualities and communication skills.

All application materials must be received by March 31, 2023, to ensure full consideration and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Doris Miller (miller@uga.edu), Chair, Search Committee or Dr. Binu Velayudhan (Binu.Velayudhan@uga.edu), Director of the AVDL.

Posting Details

• Posting Number: F1586P
• Working Title: Open Rank
• Department: VetMed-Infectious Diseases

Position Information

• Classification Title: Open Rank
• Faculty Rank: Open Rank
• Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
• Tenure Status: Tenure Track Negotiable

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD in microbiology or related field.

Additional Requirements

For information about the requirements for appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, please see the University of Georgia’s Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure.

For information about the requirements for appointment at the rank of Clinical Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, please see the University of Georgia’s Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion of Clinical Faculty.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preference will be given to candidates with a DVM or equivalent degree and with 1-2 years of experience working in a diagnostic laboratory. Candidates with board certification with the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, American Board of Medical Microbiology or equivalent or eligibility to take the board examination would be preferred. 1 – 2 years of supervisory experience related to managing a team of diagnostician(s), staff and/or research personnel would be a plus. Preferred candidates will have a commitment to diagnostic services, research, and training new technicians/residents/students.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervise the overall operations of the Bacteriology/Mycology, and Molecular Diagnostics sections in the AVDL (50%): Contribute to laboratory, college, and university governance through participation in laboratory quality control/quality assurance program and service on various committees. Contribute to the profession through participation in professional organizations and the peer-review journal process.
• Conduct research toward development of innovative diagnostic assays (40%): Validate the new assays and make them ready for specific diagnostic sections of the AVDL to be offered to clients. Participate in collaborative or independent research with UGA faculty and/or faculty at other educational institutions.
• Participate in the teaching of microbiology (10%): Participate in training of new technicians and students on diagnostic microbiology and molecular diagnostics techniques. Engage in other scholarly activities.