DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Dir Asst

Inside Higher Ed; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 107,994 - 183,581; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution is seeking a Lab Animal Veterinarian Associate Director to oversee programs ensuring humane animal research practices. This full-time role requires a PhD (DVM) and at least 5 years of veterinary experience. You will mentor staff, educate on animal care, and manage compliance with regulations in a research setting. Ideal candidates should possess a State Veterinary License and AVMA Certification, demonstrating commitment to ethical standards. The role is based in Lexington, Kentucky, with applications open until January 19, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a laboratory animal veterinary setting.
• Must hold a State Veterinary License and AVMA Certification.

Responsibilities

• Educate faculty, staff, and IACUC members on humane animal care and use.
• Assist researchers with protocol development and execution.
• Mentor less-experienced DLAR veterinarians.
• Oversee operational management of DLAR programs.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Skills

Education in veterinary medicine

Mentoring skills

Compliance knowledge

Education

PhD (DVM)

Job description

DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Associate Director Assistant – Inside Higher Ed

Position Details

• Requisition Number:
• Department: 40832: Laboratory Animal Resources
• Work Location: Health Sciences Research Building
• Grade: 52
• Salary Range: $107,994 - $183,581 per year
• Type of Position: Staff
• Position Time Status: Full‑Time
• Required Education: PhD (DVM)
• Required Related Experience: 5 years
• State Veterinary License, AVMA Certification
• Shift: Primarily Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm (with occasional evenings, nights, holidays, weekends and on‑call duties)

Job Summary

The primary goal of DLAR is to facilitate animal research in a humane manner fully compliant with all Federal, State and Local regulations. DLAR staff maintain compliance with all relevant regulations and policies as they pertain to the use of University animals in biomedical research and maintain good standing through AAALAC, adhering to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Associate Director will educate University faculty, staff and IACUC members on issues related to humane and appropriate care and use of animals, assist researchers in protocol development and execution, serve as a mentor for DLAR veterinarians with less experience, and provide oversight and operational management of DLAR programs including the Experimental Surgical Unit, Rodent Surgery Program, Quarantine andonk, Sentinal Program, Breeding and Technical Services, Veterinary Services, Necropsy and Histopathology.

Responsibilities

1. Educate faculty, staff, and IACUC members on humane animal care and use.
2. Assist researchers with protocol development and execution.
3. Mentor less‑experienced DLAR veterinarians.
4. Oversee operational management of DLAR programs (surgical units, quarantine, breeding, etc.).
5. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications

• Education: PhD (DVM) required.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in a laboratory animal veterinary setting.
• Licensing: State Veterinary License and AVMA Certification mandatory.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally, stand or walk with objects 15–25 lbs, sit at a computer for extended periods, and traverse on and off campus for meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Deadline to Apply

01/19/2026

Equitable Employment Statement

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources, including a national background check and/or drug screen.