Lead Feline Veterinarian, Research Colony

Colgate•Topeka, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As our Lead Feline Veterinarian, you’ll be at the heart of our mission, combining your veterinary expertise with a passion for research to ensure the health of our animal colony and drive groundbreaking studies. This role involves championing animal health by providing top-tier veterinary care, serving as a key clinical lead in a shared on-call rotation, mentoring animal care and research technicians, and collaborating with scientists and nutritionists to design and oversee research protocols. You will also focus on improving animal welfare through enrichment programs and low-stress handling techniques, driving data excellence through accurate record-keeping, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, you will help maintain a welcoming colony space and support tours.

Requirements

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited program.
Kansas veterinary license (or ability to get one within 12 months).
5+ years of veterinary experience, ideally with small animals or in a research setting.
Veterinary know-how: Diagnostics, surgery, dentistry, and care are your forte.
Research chops: You’ve got experience designing or supporting studies.
Team player: You build strong connections across departments.
Tech-savvy: Comfortable with data systems and modern tools.
Flexible: Ready for an on-call schedule (weekends/holidays included).
Innovator: You love finding new ways to solve problems.

Responsibilities

Provide top-tier veterinary care—diagnosing conditions, performing procedures (surgical, dental, radiographic), and crafting treatment plans.
Serve as a key clinical lead within a shared weekend and holiday on-call rotation.
Mentor Animal Care and Research technicians to foster clinical competencies, support the development of new employees, and build strong teams.
Collaborate with scientists and nutritionists to design and oversee research protocols that advance pet nutrition.
Use your expertise to select study populations, launch trials, and bring fresh ideas—like new tech or clinical approaches—to the table.
Provide support and oversight of enrichment programs for colony animals.
Mentor Animal Care and Research teams in appropriate low-stress handling methods, cooperative care, and positive reinforcement training to aid in research data collection.
Keep our records spot-on using advanced systems, ensuring every health detail and trial result is accurate and actionable to support our science-first approach.
Ensure compliance with regulations (USDA, company policies) and lead with safety in mind, fostering a culture where everyone thrives.
Help maintain a welcoming, professional colony space and support tours to share our story with visitors.