The Director is responsible for the ongoing development, leadership, and daily operations of eight facilities (approximately 115,000 square feet) including laboratory animal management, veterinary care and research services while managing a staff of 40+ professional animal care personnel. The Animal Care and Use Program has been continuously accredited by AAALAC, International for 50 years, since 1966.

The successful candidate will serve as the Attending Veterinarian, and in collaboration with the IACUC and Institutional Official, provide institutional leadership for the UNMC animal research program.  The Director works closely with UNMC faculty members in the design and implementation of animal research studies and will develop a research program consistent with UNMC’s mission of biomedical and translational research. The successful candidate will also serve as the Director of the Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) facilities. S/He will also provide oversight and management of the UNMC Office of Animal Care and Use in support of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).  Through a contract between UNMC and Nebraska-Western Iowa Veterans Affairs (VA), the Director also serves as the attending veterinarian/clinical veterinarian for the VA.

The Director interacts extensively with UNMC and Nebraska Medicine researchers on the selection, acquisition and use of research animals and provides education and training for scientists on the use of animals in research. S/He will leverage training and industry expertise as well as the knowledge/skills of others in the department to support investigators and their research. S/He will also provide oversight and management of a $6M annual budget.

The Director will also participate in institutional committees, as appointed, including IACUC, Biosafety, Safety, Comparative Medicine Advisory Group (CMAG), UNMC Compliance, and the VA IACUC. 

Education Required: DVM/VMD or equivalent degree from an AVMA accredited university.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Seven (7) years of experience managing an academic biomedical research animal care and use program preferred
• American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) board certification or equivalent is preferred
• Veterinary licensure in one of the 50 United States.
• Experience with AAALAC, International accredited animal care and use programs is preferred
• Possess a detailed and thorough knowledge of all US standards, Policies, and Regulations for the humane care and use of animals in research.
• Experience and thorough knowledge of all aspects of IACUC function.
• Experience with genetically engineered mouse models, swine, and nonhuman primate models.
• Experience with biocontainment facilities and practices for ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 studies, is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Able to work a flexible schedule as needed based on workload and deadlines.
• Satisfactory completion of the UNMC’s background investigation.
• Post offer physical required which may include respirator fit test.

Occupational Health & Safety Program Requirements

As a safeguard for employees and research subjects, all UNMC Comparative Medicine employees may be subject to vaccines/tests/physical exams prior to working with specific animals or animal populations as required by research needs including but not limited to:

• TB Testing/Clearance (every 12 months / once a year).
• Hepatitis B (proof of immunization and/or vaccination).
• Rabies (proof of immunization and/or vaccination).
• Tetanus (vaccination < 10 years).
• Diphtheria (proof of immunization and/or vaccination).
• Measles (proof of immunization and/or vaccination).
• Periodic physical exams (may include respirator fit test).
• Other vaccines/tests as required by Occupational Health & Safety standards.

Physical Requirements:

Position requires constant seeing, adjusting focus, hearing, reading, reasoning, analyzing, communicating, working inside and outside, exposure to potential allergens, animals and hazardous substances utilized in biomedical research.

Reference Requirements:

3 letters of reference/recommendation.

Other duties as assigned.

Opportunity for a faculty position may be available for qualified applicants. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.