Director, Veterinary Services

Altasciences•Scranton, PA

About The Position

The Director of Veterinary Services has primary responsibility for animal health care at the site and serves as a key resource for animal research programs. The role assists the Technical Operation Team and Study Directors in conducting studies and may participate in or oversee GLP data collection, animal and sample procedures, test article preparation and administration, surgery, and other medical procedures. The Director supervises and participates in diagnosing and treating sick animals and holds regulatory responsibility for the company’s veterinary care program. The position maintains an adequate veterinary care program and ensures compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements. It advises sponsors, Study Coordinators, and the IACUC on humane experimental design and appropriate animal techniques; contributes to the site’s Animal Care and Use program; serves on the IACUC; and engages with professional societies and academic institutions. The Director also oversees veterinary staff, surgical and laboratory operations, animal health surveillance, and training, while supporting research activities, client requests, and business objectives.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree from an accredited university, or a certificate issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates.
At least 6 years of practice with species similar to those at Altasciences.
At least 3 years of related management experience.
Valid state license and accreditation certificate.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents and industry-specific manuals.
Ability to write advanced reports and correspondence.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Well-developed interpersonal skills.
Personal and professional integrity, including proven discretion in handling confidential information.
Ability to develop trusting relationships to gain support and achieve results.
Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities.
Self-directed and motivated, with initiative to identify and anticipate client needs and recommend implementation.

Nice To Haves

Higher education, such as an M.S. or Ph.D., or board certification is preferred but not mandatory.
Relevant industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Maintain and monitor an adequate veterinary care program with appropriate facilities, personnel, equipment, and services, in compliance with USDA, AAALAC, AWA, and other applicable requirements.
Advise sponsors on humane and appropriate experimental design and conduct related to animal welfare and veterinary issues.
Advise Study Coordinators and the IACUC on animal techniques and methods, and recommend alternatives when appropriate.
Oversee and participate in research project execution, study preparation and conduct, and data collection according to SOPs, protocols, and applicable GLP requirements.
Ensure the company and employees comply with the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and other relevant references.
Contribute to development and revision of the site’s Animal Care and Use program and serve on the IACUC.
Engage with professional societies and academic institutions, and participate in vendor risk assessments related to animal care and welfare.
Follow applicable SOPs, ensure other employees follow them, and contribute to creating new SOPs.
Provide guidance and oversight for experimental surgery processes and supervise maintenance of surgical facilities and equipment.
Supervise and participate in animal anesthesia and recovery; ensure supplies are available and surgical areas remain sterile.
Conduct surgical and other medical procedures and treatments; oversee daily animal observation and appropriate disease and injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Perform on-site clinical laboratory tests and supervise maintenance of the veterinary laboratory.
Participate in technician training and supervise, design, review, and participate in routine herd health surveillance, including laboratory submissions, fecal examinations, blood collection, necropsies, and tissue collection.
Participate in monitoring and calibration of veterinary equipment.
Conduct animal procedures and supervise or participate in sample collection and processing; ensure data is collected and reported appropriately.
Prepare and administer test articles and collect data using advanced scientific equipment such as ultrasound or DEXA.
Participate in and lead development of animal models, and attend external training when requested to bring new skills to the site.
Communicate with Business Development and provide input on studies; handle client technical requests and participate in client services and support.
Supervise and/or participate in weekend duties.
Develop goals, KPIs, and departmental metrics, and ensure veterinary staff business objectives support company goals and KPIs.