Veterinarian Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Job summary

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).

The role emphasizes ensuring high-quality animal welfare, compliance with institutional, state, federal, and accreditation standards, and guiding program development in collaboration with investigators and regulatory partners.

Qualifications

• DVM and Kentucky license or eligibility within six months.
• 3+ years of related experience.
• Expertise in laboratory animal medicine and clinical care.
• Strong knowledge of welfare regulations and accreditation standards.
• Leadership, mentoring, and program management skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Laboratory animal medicine

Clinical veterinary care

Regulatory compliance

Animal welfare regulations

Leadership

Mentoring

Program management

Communication

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Job description

Support Research Excellence Through Veterinary Leadership and Animal Care Expertise

About the Role:

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

Why Research Professionals Choose University of Kentucky

• Top 10% of Academic Medical Centers Nationwide: Recognized as a leader in research excellence and innovation.
• Forbes’ Best Large Employers: Ranked among the Top 100 Employers Nationwide in 2024 and named one of Kentucky’s Best Employers on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers list.
• 1 of 34 Universities Nationwide: Holds the prestigious trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging, and translational science.
• Flexible Remote Work Options: Enjoy the convenience of fully remote or hybrid roles while supporting groundbreaking research.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, virtual conferences, and training programs to advance your career.

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.

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