Animal Facility Veterinarian

Guidehouse•Bethesda, MD

3d•$130,000 - $216,000•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. The position is full-time and located in Bethesda, Maryland. The veterinarian provides routine and emergency care primarily for mice and guinea pigs in the TRP vivarium; conducts health assessments and preventive care; diagnoses and treats illness and injury; performs needed surgical procedures and postoperative care; and performs euthanasia when necessary. The role also develops care protocols and standard operating procedures, guides research staff, reviews animal-use protocols, supports experiments as required, and monitors experimental conditions. The position maintains medical, facility, training, and compliance records; prepares monthly reports and ACUC evaluations; and attends scheduled ACUC meetings and inspections. The role requires a DVM, a current U.S. state veterinary license, at least six years of laboratory animal medicine experience, and the ability to meet the stated physical and workplace requirements. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD public trust.

Requirements

DVM degree from an accredited institution.
Current license to practice veterinary medicine in a U.S. state.
Minimum of 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 stand or walk for more than 25 of 30 minutes, bend and kneel repeatedly, reach above shoulder level, perform repetitive activities, and lift or carry 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.

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.
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 for laboratory animals.
Serve as a voting member of the VRC Animal Care and Use Committee (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 on facility animals as needed, including spay and neuter procedures, hernia repair, growth removal, and dental extractions.
Provide postoperative care for animals and perform euthanasia as necessary.
Develop and implement animal care protocols and standard operating procedures.
Ensure compliance with 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, including health assessments, treatments, and surgical procedures.
Document daily compliance with animal care protocols and regulatory standards.
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 animal care and use training records for research staff.
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, including critical care, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, legal assistance, and identity theft protection.
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus.