Clinical Veterinarian

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Clinical Veterinarian assists in the clinical medical care of all animal species cared for by the Animal Research Center (ARC). The primary responsibilities of this position include monitoring and maintaining the health of animals, performing and advising on drug treatments and surgical procedures, and serving as a role model for veterinary technical staff in the implementation and administration of a caring, conscientious and competent program of care for research animals.

The clinical veterinarian works closely with investigative staff to plan and to implement humane animal research protocols that comply with local and federal guidelines and regulations for the care and use of laboratory animals. This position participates in the review and post-approval monitoring of animal protocols under the authority of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

The clinical veterinarian, in addition to all ARC staff, is responsible for upholding the Center’s mission to provide comprehensive professional animal care so that investigators are free to conduct their research according to approved methodology. This position is 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

Regularly observe all animals in assigned areas to determine health status, specifically to identify health concerns, conduct and/or order diagnostic testing for animals as necessary. Prescribe medications for animals and oversee treatment to ensure dosage accuracy and effectiveness.

(15%) Perform approved basic and comprehensive surgical procedures, including necropsies, in coordination with principal investigators or research staff based on research plans and objectives. Work closely with veterinary technicians to provide guidance and training in matters regarding animal health, including policies, regulations, procedures, protocols, and advise veterinary technicians on determining follow-up treatment or procedures for animals identified as having health concerns, including those identified on MMR “sick” cards.

(10%) Follow-up with investigators regarding any health concerns or problems with research animals and advise on providing appropriate treatment and oversee the maintenance of animal health records; ensure records are up-to-date, thorough, and accurate.

(10%) Assist the director in planning and implementing new services and in the development of experimental surgery; advise on procedures/methods to use ensuring the experimental surgery meets compliance regulations for animal safety and welfare. Maintain required certifications and up-to-date knowledge of veterinary medicine practices, including best practices and new techniques to maintain the health status of research animals.

Serve as a technical expert and demonstrate professionalism and responsibility in providing veterinary services. (10%) Consult with investigators on matters regarding animal model selection and animal use; advise investigators on caring, conscientious and competent treatment of animals.

Review animal use protocols to assure that animals are being treated humanely, in accordance with regulations, ARC mission and policies. Advise investigators, researchers, technicians, and other university staff on 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.

Collaborate with investigators to determine project requirements, experimental protocols, safety measures for personnel, and appropriate treatment of animals. (10%) Perform approved experimental surgeries according to research plans and ARC policies and provide veterinary care to animals located at satellite and off-site animal research facilities.

Lead and present training sessions on clinical veterinary medicine, included in the comprehensive training programs for veterinary technicians, animal husbandry staff and investigative personnel. (10%) Participate in appropriate animal research committees, including IACUC.

(10%) Monitor, record, disburse, and destroy controlled substances accordance with Drug Enforcement Agency guidelines and all applicable governing regulatory guidelines. Must also maintain up-to-date knowledge of university policies on the ordering and management of prescription drugs and controlled substances and oversee the monitoring of expiration dates of drugs and other supplies; assure that expired substances are not in use and destroyed per regulatory guidelines.

(10%) Monitor investigator compliance to ARC policy and governing regulatory guidelines. Report suspected noncompliance to the internal compliance supervisor and the Director, as well as to veterinary staff for follow up. In accordance with regulations and policies concerning animal health and welfare, conduct or participate in animal facility inspections, identifying non-compliance and areas in need of improvement.

(10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department:

Continuous contact with the ARC Director, Veterinarian Technicians, and other ARC staff regarding clinical medical care of all animal species.

University:

Frequent contact with investigators and research staff involved with animal research. Regular contact with university IACUC staff. Occasional contact with School of Medicine Research Administration staff regarding clinical medical care of all animal species.

External:

Moderate contact with IACUC members during scheduled meetings.

Students:

May have contact with graduate students and medical students for the provision of surgical and technical services.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

Minimum of 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. 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 and understanding of veterinary medicine practices and services necessary to maintain the health status of research animals. Must demonstrate high level of skill and responsibility in providing veterinary services. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of veterinary medicine.

Must be able to effectively utilize specialized equipment and materials used in veterinary medicine, administer drug treatments, perform basic and comprehensive surgeries, and perform approved experimental surgeries. Knowledge of 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. Ability to maintain familiarity with, demonstrate knowledge of, and compliance with ARC policies and governing regulatory guidelines.

Must demonstrate compassion for animals within Case Western Reserve University facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times. Ability to problem-solve effectively and demonstrate good judgment and logical decision-making.

Must be able to exercise judgment and discretion in the interpretation and application of policies and regulations. Professional and effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, School and University, and with individuals outside the University.

Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, investigative staff, institutional administrators, individuals from other institutions, and the general public. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.

Must demonstrate efficiency and attention to detail. Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline. Must be flexible in order to respond to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.

Must be able to adapt to varying workloads and respond appropriately to stressful situations. Must be able to work under pressure and still maintain composure and harmonious relationships with others. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team providing first-class service to ensure the health of research and to support the school’s research objectives. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, database applications, and with internet navigation. Ability to learn and apply software programs and applications as needed. Ability to meet consistent attendance. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will work directly with animals, including rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, goats, and non-human primates. This position may have direct contact with or have exposure to the following hazards:

bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, infectious agents, select agents, radioactive materials, X-ray, human blood and tissue, animal blood and tissue, and formaldehyde. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards.

This position requires baseline evaluation of hearing and vision. This position may require the ability to independently lift or assist with lifting animals ranging from small to large in size. The nature of this position may require the use of a respirator.

This position may be required to drive or travel to satellite facilities at Metro

Health Medical Center and the VA Medical Center, as well as transport biohazardous waste including clinical samples, human blood or tissue, animals, contaminated equipment, etc.

This position will be required to work some weekend coverage shifts.

This position is subject to an FBI check and fingerprinting.

Case Western Reserve University’s animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service “Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals."

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equityat 216-368-3066to request a reasonable accommodation.

Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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