DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Job summary

University of Kentucky seeks a Senior DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian to provide advanced veterinary care, regulatory oversight, and program leadership within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR). This role supports the university’s research mission by ensuring animal welfare and compliance with standards.

You will collaborate with investigators, veterinary staff, and regulatory partners while guiding program development for high-quality biomedical research and animal care excellence.

Qualifications

• DVM required and licensed to practice in Kentucky or eligible to obtain license within six months.
• ACLAM Diplomate certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 3+ years of related experience in laboratory animal medicine.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and program management abilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills; commitment to regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical oversight and veterinary care for research animals across DLAR facilities.
• Conduct facility rounds and monitor animal health, welfare, and housing conditions.
• Mentor veterinarians and veterinary technicians and support clinical operations.
• Review research protocols and advise on animal models, surgery, anesthesia, analgesia, and humane endpoints.
• Participate in IACUC, biosafety, accreditation, and inspection activities.
• Collaborate with researchers to support protocol development and research operations.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, training materials, and regulatory documentation.
• Contribute to specialized programs including surgical services, breeding, quarantine, and species-specific vet support.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

DVM

ACLAM Diplomate (preferred)

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Data Bases

Outlook

Cayuse

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Veterinary License KY or obtained within 6 months of hire

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of this position requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; animal handling (including carcasses); risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; exposure to temperature extremes, cuts/punctures, and bloodborne/airborne pathogens. Occasional standing or walking with objects 10-25lbs; intermittently sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time with intermittent repetitive motions (such as typing); occasional exposure to loud noises; and occasional job related travel (<10% of the time).

Shift

Primarily Days (Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm), Please be aware that as an exempt position, job duties will occasionally require additional time in the evenings, nights, holidays and/or weekends to accomplish work goals in excess of 40 hours per week. Required to participate in rotational on call including nights, weekends and holidays. May be required to report when the University is closed to provide treatment & support to our research animals.

Job Summary

Support Research Excellence Through Veterinary Leadership and Animal Care Expertise The University of Kentucky is seeking a DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior to provide advanced veterinary care, regulatory oversight, and program leadership within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources ( DLAR ). This role is critical to supporting the university’s research mission by ensuring exceptional animal care, promoting animal welfare, and maintaining compliance with institutional, state, federal, and accreditation standards. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with investigators, veterinary staff, and regulatory partners while helping guide the development of programs that support high-quality biomedical research.

What You’ll Do

• Provide clinical oversight and veterinary care for research animals across DLAR facilities
• Conduct facility rounds and monitor animal health, welfare, and housing conditions
• Mentor veterinarians and veterinary technicians while supporting clinical operations
• Review research protocols and provide consultation on animal models, surgery, anesthesia, analgesia, and humane endpoints
• Participate in IACUC , biosafety, accreditation, and inspection activities
• Collaborate with researchers to support protocol development and research operations
• Develop and maintain SOPs, training materials, and regulatory documentation
• Contribute to specialized programs including surgical services, breeding programs, quarantine activities, and species-specific veterinary support

What You’ll Bring

• Expertise in laboratory animal medicine and clinical veterinary care
• Strong knowledge of animal welfare regulations and accreditation standards
• Experience supporting research programs and collaborating with investigators
• Leadership, mentoring, and program management skills
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and high-quality animal care
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ( DVM )
• 3+ years of related experience
• Kentucky Veterinary License or ability to obtain within six months of hire

What’s In It for You

• Meaningful impact: Support research that advances human and animal health
• Leadership opportunity: Influence animal welfare, veterinary services, and program development
• Professional growth: Engage with cutting-edge biomedical research and laboratory animal medicine
• Collaborative environment: Work alongside researchers, veterinarians, technicians, and university leaders
• Hybrid flexibility: Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements with approval

Why Now?

The complexity of biomedical research continues to grow, increasing the need for experienced veterinary professionals who can balance scientific advancement with the highest standards of animal care and regulatory compliance. This position offers the opportunity to play a central role in supporting a nationally recognized research enterprise while helping shape programs that impact researchers across the university. You’ll join a team dedicated to responsible research, animal welfare, and scientific excellence, where your expertise will directly contribute to both research success and the continued strength of the university’s animal care and use program.

Multiple Positions Available.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Data Bases, Outlook, Cayuse

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

ACLAM Diplomate certification. Experience with laboratory animal species preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/05/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. 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. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.