Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Providing advanced clinical and research support, the Senior Clinical Veterinarian assumes a key leadership role within the Animal Resource Center (ARC). This administrative and operational oversight includes managing the environmental enrichment program, directing the program for quality assurance and animal import/export, providing direct supervision to designated ARC personnel, and serving as the Head of Veterinary Resources in the absence of the Director and Administrative Director. This position is strictly subject to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations, and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Monitor research animal health, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, order testing, and maintain thorough, compliant health records. Perform approved basic, comprehensive, and experimental surgeries, as well as necropsies, in alignment with research objectives and animal welfare regulations. Supervise, train, and advise veterinary technicians on health reports, treatments, and clinical procedures. Collaborate with the director to develop new services, experimental surgery methods, and animal safety protocols while maintaining up-to-date veterinary certifications. (40%)
Consult with researchers on animal model selection, project requirements, and humane animal treatment; provide veterinary care at satellite and off-site facilities. Review animal use protocols to ensure alignment with IACUC, AAALAC, ARC, and federal/state guidelines (including the Animal Welfare Act and PHS Policy). Conduct facility inspections, monitor investigator compliance, and report suspected non-compliance to the Director and post-approval monitoring coordinator. Oversee the ordering, monitoring, disbursement, and disposal of controlled substances and prescription drugs in strict accordance with DEA and university guidelines. Lead and present clinical veterinary training sessions for investigative staff, husbandry personnel, and technicians. (40%)
Serve as primary approver for animal imports/exports; coordinate rodent quarantine programs, sign health reports, and ensure biosecurity to prevent colony contamination. Supervise quarterly sentinel surveys, manage data, and continuously improve department-wide quality assurance activities. Develop and adjust species-specific environmental enrichment programs to meet federal mandates. Supervise the import coordinator and assistant veterinary technicians; serve as the head of veterinary resources in the absence of the director and administrative director. (15%)
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
Provides direct supervision, performance management, and daily operational oversight for the import/export coordinator and an assistant veterinary technician.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 3 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. Diplomat of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Expert working knowledge of laboratory animal medicine practices, specialized equipment, and complex federal/state compliance frameworks (Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, AAALAC guidelines, State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, DEA, and FDA regulations).
Proven leadership capabilities, including the ability to manage, mentor, and supervise technical personnel and handle administrative duties effectively.
Deep compassion for animals, handling them with care and respect at all times in dedication to the ARC mission.
Advanced problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and professional verbal/written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships, build consensus, and interface authoritatively across a broad spectrum of research and technical disciplines.
Excellent organizational skills with the agility to multi-task, manage programmatic elements, 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 administrative efficiency.
Ability to maintain strict 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 coverage 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.
