Veterinary Neurologist (VETERINARIAN 4)

University of California - Davis; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 268,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Dental & Vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Continuing education allowance

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

University of California, Davis seeks a Veterinarian 4 to lead the Neurology/Neurosurgery service at UC Davis VMC-SC in San Diego. This senior clinical role delivers advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical care for small animals and mentors students, interns, residents, and staff.

You will collaborate across specialties, drive clinical excellence, and contribute to strategic planning, teaching, and professional development while ensuring excellent patient care and strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in California by date of hire, or eligible for a University license.
• DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree.
• Residency in Neurology/Neurosurgery completed.

Responsibilities

• 85% - Clinical Service and Program Leadership.
• 10% - Teaching, Mentorship and Professional Development.
• 5% - Administrative and Service Development

Skills

Clinical neurology

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Clinical leadership

Neurosurgery knowledge

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent

Residency in Neurology/Neurosurgery

Board certification ACVIM (DACVIM - Neurology)

Job description

Job ID: 88672

Location: San Diego

Contract: Full Time

Responsible for the development, management, oversight of the Neurology/Neurosurgery Service at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center - Southern California (VMC‑SC) in San Diego. Provides advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical care for small animal patients with neurological diseases and disorders. Responsible for establishing and maintaining a high-quality specialty neurology service, collaborating with other specialty services, and ensuring excellence in patient care, client service, and referring veterinarian relationships.

In addition, provides mentorship, clinical instruction, and professional development opportunities for veterinary students, interns, residents, and clinical staff. Contributes to strategic planning, operational excellence, and the advancement of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery within the UC Davis VMC‑SC.

Apply By Date

October 1, 2026 at 11:59pm

Recruitment Period

Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in California by date of hire, or eligible for a University license as required.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), VMD, or equivalent degree.
• Completion of a residency in Neurology/Neurosurgery.
• Experience in a busy, veterinary clinic or academic institution practicing high-quality medicine.
• Communication skills and ability to work well with others in a collegial and professional team atmosphere.

Preferred Qualifications

• Board certification ACVIM (DACVIM - Neurology).
• Five or more years of small animal practice experience.
• Teaching experience with veterinary students and/or house officers.

Key Responsibilities

• 85% - Clinical Service and Program Leadership
• 10% - Teaching, Mentorship and Professional Development
• 5% - Administrative and Service Development

The University of California of Davis Janice K. Hobbs Veterinary Medical Center of Southern California (UCD-Hobbs VMC) is a specialty referral and 24-hour emergency hospital and a clinical extension of the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. Its primary mission is to provide high-quality specialty and emergency veterinary care to patients throughout Southern California and to serve as a trusted referral resource for regional veterinary practices.

As an extension of an academic veterinary medical center, UCD‑Hobbs VMC also provides opportunities for clinical education and training, including engagement with veterinary students and other learners. Clinical research and collaboration with UC Davis, UC San Diego, and other partners further support the hospital's mission, but are secondary to its primary clinical service role.

To provide the highest quality veterinary care for small animal patients, to serve the Southern California community, and to advance veterinary medicine.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $125,600/yr. - $268,000/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: VETERINARIAN 4
• UC Job Code: 000354
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Schedule will vary, typically four 10 hour days with occasional on-call.
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & priorize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Work night and daytime hours for all of the clinical duties assigned, including some UC holiday shifts.
• This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Work under regular exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, cleaning chemicals and exposure to radioactive patients.
• May require working with or around areas with sick animals, and/or infectious diseases, and distraught clients.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. #YouBelongHere

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

#CA-SE