Director, Veterinary Services

About the role

The Director of Veterinary Services (Dir. VS) has the primary responsibility for animal health care issues at the site and assists the Technical Operation Team and Study Directors in the conduct of studies. The Director of Veterinary Services may participate in or oversee GLP data collection, sample collections from and procedures on animals, prepare test article for administration, and surgery and other medical procedures. The Director of Veterinary Services will supervise and participate in the diagnosis and treatment of sick animals. The Dir. VS bears the regulatory responsibility of the veterinary care program at the Company.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary resource for the animal research programs at the site
• Maintain and monitor an adequate program of veterinary care to provide appropriate facilities, personnel, equipment, and services in compliance with the requirements and expectations of USDA, AAALAC, AWA and other agencies
• Assist and advise sponsors in humane and proper experimental design and conduct as it relates to animal welfare and veterinary issues
• Advise the Study Coordinators and IACUC on the appropriateness of specific techniques and methods in animals and recommend alternatives
• Oversee and participate in the execution of the research project, the preparation and conduct of each phase of the study, and data collections according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the research protocol, and (if applicable) GLP requirements
• Maintain knowledge of the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and other related references and ensure that the company and its employees comply with them in a practical and appropriate manner
• Contribute to the elaboration and revision of the Animal Care and Use program of the site
• Serve on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
• Influence the external environment through leadership and active engagement with professional societies and academic institutions
• Participate in risk assessments of vendors in regards to animal care and welfare
• Follow all SOPs pertaining to the area of work, ensure that other employees follow the SOPs and contribute to the generation of new SOPs
• Provide guidance and oversight on experimental surgery processes
• Supervise maintenance of surgical facilities and related equipment
• Supervise and participate in the anesthesia and recovery of animals during surgical procedures
• Ensure that all necessary supplies and materials for current procedures are available and that sterility in the surgical quarters is maintained
• Conduct surgical and other medical procedures and treatments
• Ensure daily observation and communication using appropriate methods for prevention, control, diagnoses and treatment of disease and injury
• Perform on-site clinical laboratory tests and supervise maintenance of the laboratory used by the vet staff
• Participate in the training of technicians
• Supervise, design, review, and participate in the performance of routine herd health surveillance program, including submission of laboratory tests, such as fecal examination, blood collection, necropsy, and tissue collection
• Participate in the monitoring and calibration of veterinary equipment
• Participate in research activities: conduct procedures (surgical and other), supervise and participate in sample collection and processing (urine, blood, tissues, etc.), ensure data is collected and reported appropriately, prepare and administer test article, collect data with advanced scientific equipment (e.g., ultrasound or DEXA), participate and lead the development of animal models
• Attend external training if requested with the intention of offering new skills to the site
• Remain in communication with Business Development and provide input regarding studies as needed
• Handle client technical requests and participate in client services and support
• Supervise and/or participate in weekend duties
• Develop goals and KPIs to support the company growth and success
• Develop and ensure that business objectives are performed to meet the goals and KPI of the vet staff
• Develop departmental metrics to assess performance

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M.) from accredited University; or Certificate issued by American Veterinary Medical Association's Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates
• Higher education (M.S., Ph.D., Board Certification) preferred but not mandatory
• Minimum of 6 years practice with species similar to those found at Atlasciences
• 3+ years related experience in management
• A valid State license and accreditation certificate required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Well developed interpersonal skills
• Personal/professional integrity and proven discretion in handling confidential information
• Ability to develop strong trusting relationships in order to gain support and achieve results
• Capable of managing multiple conflicting priorities
• Self-directed, motivated, with a willingness to take the initiative to identify and anticipate client needs and make recommendations for implementation
• Relevant industry experience is a plus

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and industry specific manuals
• Ability to write advanced reports and correspondence

Benefits

Altasciences offers a wide variety of benefits to help our employees live healthy and fulfilling lives both at and outside of work.

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• 401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance & Telehealth Programs

Altasciences' Incentive Programs Include:

• Training & Development Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus Program