VDL Assistant Director

Position Summary

The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) plays a critical role in safeguarding animal and public health through accurate, timely, and innovative diagnostic services. To maintain and advance this mission in an increasingly complex and rapidly advancing environment, this leadership position is necessary to support faculty and academic staff development as well as laboratory strategic advancement, ensuring the laboratory remains at the forefront of diagnostic excellence.

The inaugural assistant director will contribute significantly towards the vision and future of the MSU VDL, maintaining the laboratory’s position as a leader in animal health diagnostics, fostering the development of world-class diagnosticians, and ensuring laboratory commitment to robust quality management. The administrative component will approximate 60% with the expectation that the assistant director will provide diagnostic service in their specialty and contribute to the research and teaching missions of the MSU VDL and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

This position will be a Health Programs Faculty assigned to the MSU VDL and academically designated within the Department of Pathology and Diagnostic Investigation or other academic department of choice. A complete description of the Michigan State University HP system is available at: https://hr.msu.edu/policies-procedures/faculty-academic-staff/health-programs-faculty-handbook/index.html.

Required Degree

Doctorate - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Minimum Requirements

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree.
• Certification in a veterinary specialty recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Advanced knowledge of veterinary diagnostics and laboratory operations, including data and quality management.
• Leadership skills in academic or diagnostic settings.
• Strong abilities in strategic planning and project management.

Desired Qualifications

• Post-graduate research training (MS or PhD) or commensurate research experience.
• Experience guiding and managing professional development and performance assessment for faculty and academic staff.
• Experience managing operational and administrative projects to promote diagnostic laboratory advancement.

Application Materials

• A letter of intent summarizing qualifications, professional accomplishments, and future goals aligned with the mission of the VDL and the CVM;
• A curriculum vitae;
• The names and contact information for 3 professional references.

Special Instructions

Complete applications received by March 13, 2026, will receive full consideration by the search committee. If suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline, late submissions will be considered until the position is filled.

Contact Information

Direct inquiries to the Chair of the Search Committee, Rinosh Mani (manirino@msu.edu).

Review of Applications Begins

On 03/13/2026

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to unfixed animal tissue.

Department Statement

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine is a leading referral center for companion animals and horses as well as for livestock, laboratory, zoo and wildlife species. We have exceptional facilities, outstanding specialists, and a vibrant environment for career growth in veterinary medicine. The MSU VDL is one of the premier veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the world, fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The MSU VDL provides full-service laboratory support in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, endocrinology, microbiology, molecular pathology, nutrition, next generation sequencing, parasitology, serology, toxicology, and virology to veterinarians and animal health partners, worldwide.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.