Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Provide clinical veterinary oversight and care for all animal species within the Animal Resource Center to ensure optimal health, welfare, and regulatory compliance. Support the delivery of comprehensive animal care by assessing and maintaining animal health, directing and advising on medical treatments and surgical procedures, and guiding veterinary technical staff through mentorship and role modeling. Collaborate with investigative staff to plan and implement humane research protocols that meet institutional, local, and federal requirements. Ensure all activities adhere to applicable regulations and standards, including the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulations, and US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Regularly observe all animals in assigned areas to determine health status, identify health concerns, and conduct/order diagnostic testing. Prescribe medications and oversee treatments to ensure dosage accuracy and effectiveness. Perform approved basic, comprehensive, and experimental surgical procedures (including necropsies) in coordination with principal investigators or research staff based on research plans and objectives. Consult and collaborate with investigators on animal model selection, project requirements, experimental protocols, safety measures for personnel, and the humane, conscientious treatment of animals. Review animal use protocols to ensure alignment with regulations, ARC mission, and policies. Work closely with veterinary technicians to provide guidance and training regarding animal health policies, procedures, and follow-up treatments. Lead and present training sessions included in the comprehensive training programs for veterinary technicians, husbandry staff, and investigative personnel. Participate in appropriate animal research committees, including the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). (70%)
Monitor, record, disburse, and destroy controlled substances in accordance with DEA guidelines and university policies. Oversee expiration dates to ensure expired substances are not used. Monitor investigator compliance with ARC policy and regulatory guidelines. Report suspected noncompliance to the internal compliance supervisor/post-approval monitoring coordinator and the director. Conduct or participate in animal facility inspections to identify areas needing improvement. (25%)
 
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

 
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with the ARC director, veterinary technicians, and other ARC staff regarding clinical medical care and animal research.

University: Frequent contact with investigators, research staff, and university IACUC staff. Occasional contact with school of medicine research administration staff.

External: Moderate contact with IACUC members during scheduled meetings.

Students: Regular-to-occasional contact with graduate and medical students for the provision of surgical and technical services.

 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervisory responsibilities. Provides peer leadership, guidance, and clinical training to veterinary technicians and husbandry staff.

 
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 2 years of clinical veterinary medicine experience. Experience in an academic research environment or experience during postdoctoral training in Laboratory Animal Medicine or commensurate experience leading to ACLAM board eligibility are strongly preferred. Experience in a private veterinary practice will be considered.

Education/Licensing: DVM or VMD from an AVMA accredited veterinary school and licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States. Candidate will be required to obtain a Veterinary License in the State of Ohio and USDA Accreditation within 6 months of the time of employment.

 
REQUIRED SKILLS
Strong working knowledge of veterinary medicine practices, specialized equipment, and compliance frameworks (Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, AAALAC guidelines, State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, DEA, and FDA regulations).
Deep compassion for animals, handling them with care and respect at all times in dedication to the ARC mission.
Effective problem-solving, logical decision-making, and professional verbal/written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships across a broad spectrum of research and technical disciplines.
Excellent organizational skills with the agility to multi-task and maintain composure under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Strong technical proficiency to ensure smooth use of software, creation of tracking/process improvement templates, and a strong desire to learn and work with AI to improve process and efficiency.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, meet consistent attendance requirements, and interact face-to-face with colleagues and supervisors.
Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position works directly with animals, including rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, goats, and non-human primates. May involve exposure to hazards such as bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, infectious/select agents, radioactive materials, X-rays, human/animal tissue, and formaldehyde. Personal protective equipment (lab coat, gloves, goggles) is provided.

Requires a baseline evaluation of hearing and vision. Must be able to independently lift or assist with lifting small to large animals. Use of a respirator may be required. Requires the ability to drive/travel to satellite facilities (e.g., MetroHealth Medical Center, VA Medical Center) and transport biohazardous waste or clinical samples. Subject to an FBI check and fingerprinting. Weekend and holiday on-call shifts are required on a rotating basis.

Case Western Reserve University's animal facilities are accredited by AAALAC and managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals," Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the PHS Policy.