GENERAL SUMMARY
The Attending Veterinarian works under the direct guidance of the General Manager. This position provides leadership, along with the oversight and daily management of the veterinary service team. The goal of this department is to collaborate with and provide expert support to our research scientists in the discovery, characterization, and development of novel therapeutic products for a variety of human diseases. We are dedicated to providing excellent animal care, progressive veterinary medicine, and expert lab animal science knowledge. The Attending Veterinarian has direct program authority and responsibility for the animal care and use program.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Defines and implements laboratory animal science program including veterinary care, animal care and provides administrative direction in compliance with all regulations and policies, nationally and locally.
- Serves as Attending Veterinarian. Direct day–to-day oversight of the animal care and use program including, but not limited to:
- Ensures that all animal care related activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, guidelines, and SOPs, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards and regulations.
- Ensures that documentation requirements are met;
- Partners with research teams to offer proactive guidance and expertise to inform decisions on protocols and procedures to ensure the most efficient use of laboratory animals on studies;
- Institutes the use of appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries;
- Provides expertise and consultation on matters of animal health and welfare, including, but not limited to: the use of proper anesthesia and analgesia in laboratory animals; recognition and training for treatment of in the relief of pain and distress; discussion of the possible complications related to procedures used or disease models proposed; review of the plans for appropriate and timely medical intervention;
- Ensures daily observation of all animals by personnel to assess their health and well-being;
- Provides expertise and consultation on matters regarding animal and personnel health status-control program including, but not limited to: vaccinations, safety programs, zoonosis control, euthanasia methods, and other appropriate provisions related to animal research.
- Accountable for managing Biomere's pathogen exclusion lists for and collaborating with the teams to establish biosecurity to reduce the spread of pathogens, traffic patterns, and PPE standards.
- Provides oversight of quarantine program which includes participation in vendor management, e.g. reviewing vendor health information, communicating specific issues related to shipments to them, tracking overall vendor performance, as applicable.
- Provides oversight of the animal behavior and enrichment program.
- Manages veterinary (medicine and surgery) staff and provides appropriate training for each role. Ensures that training is properly documented and regularly updated as necessary.
- Collaborates with the training program on the development and/or training of new or innovative techniques and other procedural improvements. May provide oversight of the verification of staff proficiency and assists with approval of designated trainer status. Responsible for ensuring proficiency of all on-site clients and/or consultants who work with animals at Biomere.
- Experienced in building and leading teams, managing people and animal research facilities, with strong interpersonal and communication skills. May perform surgeries, provide surgical support and/or anesthesia, or provide surgical and analgesic technical expertise/advice.
- Serves on the Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) as a member.
- Provides emergency coverage and on weekends and holidays, as scheduled, for the care of animals.
- Participates in the development and implementation of company policies, state and federal regulations and other assignments required to support the animal care program (e.g. SOP development and implementation, maintenance of AAALAC accreditation standards).
- Remains current on new and revised study protocols, animal care, treatments, etc.
- Complies with all regulatory guidelines, occupational health as well as health and safety programs, in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Proactively partners with key stakeholders across the organization (e.g., HR, Compliance, Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Health).
- Performs other duties as required.
PROBLEM SOLVING/DECISION MAKING
- As an expert in animal care, exercises independent judgment to solve immediate emergency problems regarding the animal care program at all levels of complexity.
- Demonstrates ability to evaluate risks and opportunities to come up with effective solutions while incorporating multiple perspectives that achieve the organization's goals.
PLANNING
- Anticipates company needs and organizes information and regulations for company programs and policies, including, but not limited to: vaccinations, zoonosis control, euthanasia methods, other appropriate provisions related to animal research, and technical instruction for upcoming studies involving animal care program.
- Provides strategic direction for vivarium resource utilization, vivarium space planning and renovations and equipment requirements and specifications.
- Develops/reviews current and newly established policies and procedures.
- Serves as expert on implementing changes regarding animal care program.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
- Directly supervises company veterinarians and animal care leadership and provides technical supervision of employees involved with animal care.
- With senior management, provides oversight and reviews the company’s veterinary care program to ensure the animals are cared for in compliance with the regulations and company policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Accredited veterinary school OR certified as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine OR equivalent formal education deemed appropriate by APHIS administrator.
- Work Experience: 10 years of related training and laboratory animal medicine experience.
- License to practice Veterinary Medicine in California.
- DACLAM eligible preferred.
- Experience with biosafety, crisis management and occupational health & safety training.
- Excellent communication (oral and written) skills and interpersonal skills necessary to interact with various levels of personnel collaborating on research projects, clients and vendors and for presentations.
- Must work well in a team-oriented environment as well as demonstrate the ability to work independently within established policies and procedures.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of study protocols and IACUC processes involved. Proficient in computer-based software programs: Microsoft® Office Suite, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and the Internet.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Personnel working with Non-Human Primates (NHP) must provide proof of measles vaccination or updated titers prior to initial contact with animals.
- Personnel working with NHP must provide current results of TB testing or be tested prior to initial contact with animals. Annual tuberculosis screening is required of all employees working with NHPs.
- Personnel must avoid contact and exposure to rodents/small animals as pets and/or animal environments which might pose as transmitters of disease into animal facility (i.e. farms, zoos, veterinarian office, etc.).
- Physical dexterity to lift 50 - 100 lb in weight.
- Manual dexterity to operate facility equipment.
- Visual acuity to handle potentially hazardous chemicals, cleaners, biologics (including, but not limited to direct handling of human byproducts and viruses) and/or sharps.
- Required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment in each area as described by SOPs.
- Has the ability to withstand ambient temperatures which may exceed 90°F.
- Personnel must be able to carry out the essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS
- Potential of exposure to disinfectants, chemicals, biologics, animal dander, and dust.
- Normal scientific laboratory conditions, may work with hazardous materials and unpleasant odors.
PAY RANGE: $180,000-$250,000 commensurate with work experience.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Biomere pays substantial portion of premium
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, AD&D and EAP - Biomere pays for basic; employee can purchase additional coverage
- Vacation, Holidays, Sick/Personal Days
- 401K Plan with 4% matching
- Referral Bonus Program
- Free parking
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