Veterinarian

at  Cardiovascular Research Foundation

SUMMARY

The Veterinarian provides daily veterinary care at SCI, provides preventive and ongoing clinical veterinary care for all SCI laboratory animals; oversees the anesthesia and surgical programs of the Center; and maintains all practices in accordance with AAALAC, USDA, OLAW and NY State Department of Health standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• DVM/VMD degree from an AVMA accredited institution or equivalent.
• Veterinary licensure in at least one state required (NY State preferred).
• USDA Veterinary Accreditation required.
• 3-5 years of work experience in companion animal or mixed animal (sheep or swine preferred) clinical practice highly desired.
• Experience in an animal research environment is desired but not mandatory
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. Knowledge of Microsoft products and any animal facility-related software.
• Strong focus on flexibility, ability to multi-task, attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, good follow-up and judgment. Must be able to prioritize.
• Must possess excellent communication and writing skills, patience, professionalism and ability to effectively interact with staff and management alike.
• Ability to analyze complex information and solve problems relating to the proper care of laboratory animals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides veterinary care to all SCI laboratory animal species under supervision of the Director, Operations.
• Assists in maintaining a comprehensive surgical and clinical veterinary care program that assures appropriate animal welfare, and provides high quality animal health care and support for a rapidly expanding pre-clinical research program focused on cardiovascular device development and testing, and the investigation of novel therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records concerning physical examinations and diagnostic decisions ensuring compliance with study protocols and applicable regulations.
• Participates in training and educational activities involving the use of animals for the SCI veterinary staff and research team.
• Maintains interest in pursuing postgraduate training in laboratory animal medicine, and the training of veterinary students and post-doctoral associates.
• Engages in multidisciplinary research activities including developing animal models, testing, analysis and publications with particular focus on veterinary cardiovascular medicine.
• Maintains high professional standards.
• Acts to promote the interests of the Foundation.
• Provides guidance to technical veterinary staff and makes clinical decisions under the direction of the Director, Operations.
• Assures compliance with the study protocol and any protocol amendments.
• Records observations onto appropriate record forms.
• Ensures adequate sanitary and health care precautions for all SCI research animals.
• Documents any circumstance that may affect animal welfare, and/or the quality and integrity of a study.
• Reports any health or medical condition that may adversely affect a study to the Director, Operations, Manager of Animal Care and Principal Investigator.
• Additional duties as assigned

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN GLP STUDIES

• Participates in study protocol development, approval and amendments as required.
• Assures GLP compliance in the area of animal health by providing personnel oversight and documentation review.
• Examines animals upon receipt and during the study for routine health evaluations and medical emergencies
• Performs or oversees the performance of animal health care assessment prior to release for study enrollment in both non-GLP and GLP studies, and during the in-life phase of all pre-clinical studies.
• Oversees all aspects of health assessment and health management of study animals, including diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, in communication with veterinary staff and study directors.
• Participates in all aspects of veterinary care at SCI and satellite facilities.
• Performs, or oversees performance of veterinary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in study animals as required.
• Performs or assists in necropsies as required.
• Compiles, organizes and prepares, or oversees the compilation, organization and preparation of animal health-related data for final report preparation.
• Documents any circumstances that may affect animal welfare, and the quality and integrity of a study and assesses the impact on study outcome.
• Assures corrective actions in the animal care and veterinary arena are made in a timely manner and documented in an appropriate manner.
• Reviews clinical pathology results and health records of laboratory animals involved in both non-GLP and GLP studies. Communicates findings to veterinary staff and study directors as appropriate.