Director of Veterinary Services

RPM ReSearch • Scranton, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Veterinary Services & Attending Veterinarian leads the veterinary care program at an on-site, mixed-species preclinical research facility in Scott Township, Pennsylvania, part of a national, multi-site contract research organization. The role holds responsibility for animal health and welfare across the site, including daily care, clinical treatment, experimental procedures, anesthesia, surgery, housing, and study support. The facility conducts approximately 350–400 studies annually and supports IND-enabling toxicology, safety pharmacology, chronic toxicity, and specialized ophthalmology research for small-molecule and biologic development. Its species include nonhuman primates, dogs, swine, rodents, and rabbits.

The Director serves as the designated Attending Veterinarian and works with Study Directors, technical operations, sponsors, and the IACUC to integrate veterinary judgment into study planning and execution. The position combines program leadership with active clinical and procedural work, including diagnosis and treatment, anesthesia and recovery oversight, surgical guidance, and participation in procedures and sample collection as needed. The Director leads veterinary staff and supports technician development, departmental goals, consistent animal-care practices, and dependable study execution.

The role also supports a regulated research environment through SOPs, documentation, GLP study activities, and continuous improvement. The facility is AAALAC-accredited, USDA-registered, PHS-assured, and registered with the DEA for Schedules I–V. Research includes ophthalmology programs and procedures such as examinations, fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, electroretinography, and ocular procedures. The Director contributes laboratory animal medicine expertise alongside veterinary ophthalmology specialists and provides client technical support. Weekend coverage is part of the role.

Requirements

• DVM from an accredited university, or an ECFVG certificate for graduates of non-accredited veterinary programs.
• At least six years of veterinary practice with relevant species.
• Three or more years of related management experience.
• Valid state veterinary license and veterinary accreditation certificate.
• Meaningful mixed-species research experience and demonstrated leadership are sought in the preferred candidate.
• Experience with nonhuman primates and dogs is particularly relevant; experience with swine, rabbits, and rodents is also relevant.
• Experience with anesthesia, analgesia, surgery, postoperative care, and preventive medicine.
• Experience collaborating with an IACUC and scientific teams on animal welfare and procedural refinement.
• Clear communication with technical staff, scientific leaders, and sponsors.

Nice To Haves

• Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DACLAM) or ACLAM board eligibility.
• Experience in a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or comparable research environment, especially with GLP studies.
• Ocular research experience.
• Additional advanced education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the veterinary care program and serve as the designated Attending Veterinarian for the site.
• Guide clinical care, preventive medicine, health surveillance, and animal welfare decisions.
• Partner with Study Directors, technical teams, sponsors, and the IACUC to evaluate procedures, recommend refinements, and address veterinary considerations before and during studies.
• Diagnose and treat animals; oversee anesthesia and recovery; guide surgical practices; and participate in procedures and sample collection as needed.
• Lead veterinary staff, strengthen technician capabilities, establish departmental goals, and build consistent practices that support animal welfare and study execution.
• Contribute to SOPs, appropriate documentation, GLP study activities, and continuous improvement in a regulated research environment.
• Advise colleagues and sponsors on veterinary issues, animal models, and procedural options.
• Provide client technical support and participate in weekend coverage.
• Contribute laboratory animal medicine expertise to ophthalmology research and study execution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree