Animal Facility Veterinarian

Guidehouse•Bethesda, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Facility Veterinarian supports NIAID Vaccine Research Center (VRC) research activities by providing veterinary care for laboratory animals, supporting animal welfare, serving on the VRC Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC), and ensuring compliance with applicable animal care and use requirements. This full-time position is located in Bethesda, Maryland. The veterinarian provides routine and emergency care primarily for mice and guinea pigs in the TRP vivarium; performs health assessments, preventive care, diagnoses, treatments, surgeries, postoperative care, and euthanasia as needed; and maintains complete medical and facility records. The role also develops animal-care protocols and standard operating procedures, advises research staff, reviews animal-use protocols, and participates in small-animal and non-human-primate experiments as required by the Statement of Work. The position includes daily compliance documentation, monthly veterinary service reports, written evaluations and recommendations for protocols reviewed by the ACUC, and participation in scheduled ACUC meetings and inspections. The veterinarian develops training materials, maintains staff training records, and provides updates to laboratory members as needed.

Requirements

DVM degree from an accredited institution.
Current license to practice veterinary medicine in a U.S. state.
At least six years of experience in laboratory animal medicine.
Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidelines governing animal care and use.
Proficiency working with small laboratory animals, specifically mice and guinea pigs.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, including standing or walking for more than 25 of 30 minutes; repeated bending and kneeling; reaching above shoulder level; repetitive activities; and lifting or carrying less than 25 pounds.
Ability to work around high noise levels, machinery with moving parts, and slippery or uneven surfaces, and to use required personal protective equipment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD public trust; approved adjudication is required before onboarding with Guidehouse.

Nice To Haves

Board certification or eligibility in laboratory animal medicine through the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience using Microsoft Suite products.
Educational background or additional study in biology or zoology.
An active public trust or suitability.

Responsibilities

Provide routine and emergency veterinary care for laboratory animals in the TRP vivarium, primarily mice and guinea pigs.
Conduct regular health assessments and preventive care programs.
Serve as a voting member of the VRC ACUC.
Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in laboratory animals.
Maintain complete medical records, including treatments, examinations, test results, surgeries, outcomes, facility database records, and records required by local and state laws.
Perform surgical procedures as needed, including spay and neuter procedures, hernia repair, growth removal, and dental extractions.
Provide postoperative care and perform euthanasia as necessary.
Develop and implement animal-care protocols and standard operating procedures.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional animal-care and use regulations and guidelines.
Train and guide research staff on proper animal handling, care, and use.
Review and evaluate animal-use protocols to promote ethical and humane treatment.
Assist with developing and implementing animal-care and use policies and procedures.
Participate in small-animal and non-human-primate experiments as required by the Statement of Work.
Monitor experimental conditions and recommend appropriate animal care and treatment to researchers.
Prepare monthly reports summarizing veterinary services, health assessments, treatments, and surgical procedures.
Document compliance with animal-care protocols and regulatory standards daily.
Prepare monthly written evaluations and recommendations for animal-use protocols reviewed by the ACUC.
Attend and participate in scheduled ACUC meetings and inspections.
Develop training materials and maintain research staff training records.
Meet with laboratory members on an ad hoc basis to present updates.

Benefits

Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
Personal and family sick time and company-paid holidays.
Parental leave.
401(k) retirement plan.
Group term life insurance and travel assistance.
Voluntary life and AD&D insurance.
Health Savings Account and health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Transit and parking commuter benefits.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Tuition reimbursement, personal development, certifications, and learning opportunities.
Employee referral program.
Corporate-sponsored events and community outreach.
Care.com annual membership.
Employee Assistance Program.
Supplemental benefits through Corestream, including critical care, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, legal assistance, and identity theft protection.
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus.
Flexible benefits package.