Director, Veterinary Services

Altasciences•Scranton, PA

About The Position

The Director of Veterinary Services (Dir. VS) is primarily responsible for animal health care at the site and supports the Technical Operation Team and Study Directors in conducting studies. The role may involve participating in or overseeing 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 provides veterinary leadership for the site’s animal research programs, maintains compliant veterinary care, and advises sponsors, Study Coordinators, and the IACUC on humane animal research and appropriate techniques. It also oversees study execution, veterinary and surgical operations, animal health surveillance, staff training, client support, and departmental goals and performance metrics.

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 found 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, with 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 make implementation recommendations.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary resource for animal research programs at the site.
Maintain and monitor an adequate veterinary care program, including appropriate facilities, personnel, equipment, and services, in compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Advise sponsors on humane experimental design and conduct, and advise Study Coordinators and the IACUC on animal techniques, methods, and alternatives.
Oversee and participate in research projects, study preparation and conduct, and data collection in accordance with 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 employees follow them, and contribute to creating new SOPs.
Guide and oversee experimental surgery processes and supervise maintenance of surgical facilities and related equipment.
Supervise and participate in animal anesthesia and recovery during surgery; ensure required supplies are available and surgical areas remain sterile.
Conduct surgical and other medical procedures and treatments.
Ensure daily observation and communication for prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and injury.
Perform on-site clinical laboratory tests and supervise maintenance of the veterinary staff laboratory.
Participate in technician training.
Supervise, design, review, and participate in routine herd health surveillance, including laboratory test submissions, fecal examinations, blood collection, necropsies, and tissue collection.
Participate in veterinary equipment monitoring and calibration.
Conduct procedures and supervise or participate in sample collection and processing, including urine, blood, and tissue samples.
Ensure data is collected and reported appropriately.
Prepare and administer test articles.
Collect data using advanced scientific equipment, such as ultrasound or DEXA.
Participate in and lead development of animal models.
Attend external training when requested to bring new skills to the site.
Communicate with Business Development and provide input on studies as needed.
Handle client technical requests and participate in client services and support.
Supervise and/or participate in weekend duties.
Develop goals and KPIs that support company growth and success, ensure business objectives meet veterinary staff goals and KPIs, and develop departmental performance metrics.