Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologist- Section Head

State of Montana • Bozeman, MT

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL), a bureau within the Animal Health and Food Safety Division of the Montana Department of Livestock, is seeking a diagnostic anatomic pathologist. MVDL is a full-service, AAVLD-accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory that performs approximately 170,000 tests annually on a wide variety of domestic and non-domestic animal species. The role calls for a strong interest in diagnostic pathology and client service, and demonstrated confidence and experience in veterinary pathology and accurate, timely diagnosis.

The successful candidate will perform gross and histologic pathology evaluations and interpretations, consult with clients, and coordinate ancillary testing on cases. Depending on interest and aptitude, the position will supervise one or more laboratory sections. As a Manager/Section Head, the employee will provide leadership, guidance, and support to teammates, lead by example, and foster collaboration, respect, professionalism, and quality service. Direct-report duties may include hiring, managing and assessing employee performance, managing work schedules, and addressing employee questions and concerns.

The position provides scientific and technical leadership, including authoritative subject-matter expertise and oversight; identifying, researching, and coordinating the development and validation of new testing assays and equipment; troubleshooting and interpreting complex technical data, non-conformances, and performance metrics; and developing and revising Standard Operating Procedures to support compliance with the MVDL Quality Management System and AAVLD accreditation requirements.

MVDL is located in a new state-of-the-art facility on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman. The position may offer partial telework or a hybrid schedule. The laboratory is relatively small and poised for growth, with opportunities for interaction with university faculty and students depending on interest. New employees may be eligible for the USDA Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program.

Requirements

• DVM or equivalent degree.
• Board certification or board eligibility in anatomic pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP).
• Eligibility for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Montana within six months of hire.
• Relevant experience working as a diagnostic veterinary pathologist.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross and histologic pathology evaluations and interpretations.
• Participate in client consultation and coordinate ancillary testing on cases.
• Supervise one or more laboratory sections, depending on interest and aptitude.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to teammates and promote collaboration, respect, professionalism, and quality service.
• Carry out direct-report duties, including hiring, managing and assessing employee performance, managing employee work schedules, and responding to employee questions and concerns.
• Provide authoritative subject-matter expertise and technical oversight.
• Identify, research, and coordinate development and validation of new testing assays and equipment.
• Troubleshoot, review, and interpret complex technical data, non-conformances, and performance metrics.
• Participate in developing and revising Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with the MVDL Quality Management System and AAVLD accreditation requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution of 8.73%–9.07% of annual salary.
• A combination of 38 paid days off per year, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Partial telework or hybrid schedules may be available.
• Career progression, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and potential longevity raises with continuous service.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through the medical plan.
• Potential eligibility for the USDA Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program.

What This Job Offers

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