Veterinary Diagnostic Pharmacologist Faculty

Location: Knoxville, TN, United States. Open date: March 2, 2026.

About the Role

The University of Tennessee invites applications for a full-time faculty appointment as Veterinary Pharmacology Director in the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend diagnostic service, discovery, and teaching in veterinary pharmacology.

The Diagnostic Pharmacology Service (DPS) (https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/vmc/dls/pharmacology/) is involved in numerous pharmacokinetic studies across various species. The service is nationally and internationally recognized for its expertise in analytical methodology for clinical research. The laboratory develops and validates assays to support intramural and extramural research, fostering collaboration between the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, other universities, zoos, and aquariums.

The successful candidate will direct a lab with one lab supervisor, one laboratory technician, and typically three undergraduate students. The remaining effort allocation includes teaching activities and scientific advancement, with proportions negotiable based on candidate interest.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all laboratory operations, ensuring day-to-day requirements are met accurately and timely.
• Maintain the facility and equipment, including laboratory quality control and safety.
• Develop new techniques to meet evolving needs in veterinary pharmacology.
• Communicate policies, prices, and laboratory changes to clients.
• Manage budget oversight for laboratory services, including revenues, fee structures, expenses, and approval of new expenditures.
• Supervise, manage, and conduct annual evaluations of laboratory staff.
• Advise residents, clinical and research faculty on pharmacokinetic projects across various species.
• Interpret high-performance liquid chromatography results and provide pharmacokinetic consultations.
• Contribute to the teaching mission through the DVM curriculum, graduate program, and/or continuing education symposia.
• Engage in scientific advancement, with higher research effort expected for a tenure-track position.

Qualifications

The College of Veterinary Medicine seeks candidates who contribute meaningfully to a collegial, inclusive, and accessible environment. Required qualifications include:

• A DVM (or equivalent) from an AVMA-accredited institution or a relevant PhD.
• Post-graduate experience and/or a strong documented interest in analytical methodology and clinical veterinary pharmacology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team atmosphere.

Preferred qualifications include board certification by the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology or the European College of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Appointment Details

The position will be offered at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, in either a tenure or clinical (non-tenure) academic track, dependent on qualifications and goals. The start date is as early as August 1, 2026.

• Tenure-Track Assistant Professor: Should demonstrate promise as a teacher and in developing a disciplinary research/scholarship program, with a record of institutional/professional service and evidence of collaboration with colleagues and students.
• Tenure-Track Associate Professor: Must have a recognized record in disciplinary research/scholarship, institutional/professional service, and demonstrated ability to work well with colleagues and students. Typically requires at least five years of service as an Assistant Professor.
• Clinical Track Faculty: Primarily provides diagnostic expertise while participating in teaching, scholarly activities, and service to the university and professional organizations.