"Veterinary Director, Laboratory Animal Research"

Job Description

Veterinary Director, Laboratory Animal Research

Wright State University

EEO Statement: Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Faculty Rank or Job Title: Veterinary Director, Laboratory Animal Research

Job Category: Administrative (exempt/non-exempt)

Department: Research & Sponsored Programs

EEO number: 26P040

Position FTE: 100%

Minimum Annual or Hourly Rate: $170,000

Salary Band: UC S09

Job Summary/Basic Function
This position reports directly to the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and provides leadership, oversight and high-standard veterinary care and clinical support for all animals used within the university's animal research program. The incumbent will contribute to oversight and support for all activities associated with research animal care, use and welfare; clinical laboratory animal medicine, disease diagnosis, and prevention; and research techniques to assure that animal care and use is provided in accordance with all federal, state, and university laws, polices and regulations. The role includes working closely with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure humane animal treatment while maximizing research benefits to human and animal health. Maintaining AAALAC International accreditation is also a key responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications

• D.V.M./V.M.D. with at least four years' experience in laboratory animal care is required. Experience should include extensive clinical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures in rodents and other species.
• Licensed to practice Veterinary Medicine in the state of Ohio
• USDA accreditation
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems (LIS) and software.
• Familiarity with quarantine requirements, zoonotic diseases, management of rodents.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory compliance issues is required.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, demonstrated ability to interact professionally with investigators, students, and staff.
• Conflict management and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Board certification from the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, or equivalent, is preferred.

Essential Functions and percent of time
Provide Animal Care (25%):

• Oversee and provide clinical care for the laboratory animals used in biomedical research or teaching activities at Wright State University.
• Activities will include disease surveillance, diagnosis, and prevention; and surgical services and support to include anesthesia guidance and recommendations for postoperative measures taken to encourage successful outcome of surgical techniques in rodents and other laboratory animals.

Leadership & Oversight (25%):

• Direct and manage the laboratory animal research program, including facilities, staff, and resources.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for animal care and welfare matters.
• Provide strategic direction for program growth, continuous improvement, and accreditation (e.g., AAALAC Int.).
• Maintain the Animal Care and Use training program to remain compliant with all requirements, ensure investigator access to training, and provide training updates as necessary.
• Provide direct oversight and management of the LAR budget.
• Plan and approve expenditures.
• Monitor account and purchase order balances to ensure funding is available for required expenses.
• Forecast and communicate future needs to Business Manager.
• Calculate per diem rates using federally compliant methods and ensure appropriate billing of all provided services.
• Manage applications for funding for equipment and facility improvements through grants, Capital Appropriations, or other means when opportunities are available

Assist Researchers with Protocol Implementation (25%):

• Provide technical guidance and training to researchers and research animal care staff to support diverse research areas and protocols. This includes assisting researchers in the technical aspects of protocol design and implementation to assure that pain and distress in laboratory animals is minimized.
• Respond to researcher concerns and solve problems or recommend solutions.
• Communicate LAR updates with researchers and research staff.
• Serve as the attending veterinarian on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), to provide information on laboratory animal medicine and ensure that animal research and teaching activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines.

Essential Functions and percent of time (cont'd)
Administration and Documentation (10%):

• Ensure documentation of all clinical, research, training, and oversight activities to comply with federal regulations and University requirements.
• Receive and maintain controlled substances used for clinical care of research animals in accordance with DEA, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, and university requirements.
• Develop, implement, and control procedures related to acquisition, maintenance, quarantine, and disposition of research animals.
• Review and update relevant Standard Operating Policies and Procedures, applicable sections of the AAALAC Program Description, and other documents as required.

Professional Development (10%):

• Supports collaborative research in animal medicine, science and technology for the purpose of advancing scientific knowledge in areas such as technology, husbandry, disease, and medical/surgical care.
• Prepares and reports significant results of research at meetings of local, regional, or national professional organizations, and publishes findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Attend appropriate workshops and seminars including veterinary care standards and regulations and development of academic and leadership skills.

Non-Essential Functions and percent of time
Other related duties (5%):

• As assigned by the Vice Provost of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Working Conditions
Potentially high noise levels and exposure to noxious odors, fumes, anesthetic gases, animal bites and scratches, animal allergens, animal waste, and hazardous or infectious substancesChemical exposure to sprays, washing and disinfecting solutions including acids and caustic chemicals.Must be available for weekend, holiday, and after hour emergenciesTo preserve the safety and security of the campus community and to maintain the integrity of university operations, it is the policy of Wright State University making an employment offer contingent on various background checks, such as a criminal record, credit history when job related and/or education verifications. Additionally, an administrative review shall be conducted whenever the university learns that an employee is charged with or convicted of a crime (except for minor vehicle violations). Frequently asked questions related to background checks may be found on the Human resources website at http://www.wright.edu/human-resources.Effective July 1, 2017, per Policy 7230 Wright State University is tobacco-free. Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university owned or leased grounds, university owned or operated residence halls and apartments, and at all university sponsored events regardless of location. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all university vehicles or on any equipment owned, leased or operated by Wright State University. This policy applies to anyone on campus including students, faculty, staff, visitors, consultants, vendors, patients, volunteers, and contractor employees.

Special Instructions to Applicants

First Consideration Date: 09/26/2025

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wright.edu/postings/21475