Veterinary Diagnostician/Assistant Professor

Murray State University blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty, and staff. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

About the role

This is a regular full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position located at the Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville, KY. The role requires occasional after-hours on-call and weekend duty, with on-site work required during those times to meet customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between the laboratory and customers, including referring veterinarians, owners, staff, food producers, government agencies, and other laboratories.
• Receive diagnostic samples for testing (e.g., take case history, unload animals, prepare and route laboratory samples).
• Review and coordinate laboratory cases; release diagnostic laboratory reports ensuring accuracy, clarity, and completeness.
• Supervise shipping and receiving personnel; ensure the Receiving Area is staffed during all business hours (including lunch).
• Monitor current processes and policies for receiving and routing incoming cases; ensure regulatory compliance, including accreditation standards, and develop new procedures as needed.
• Participate in and ensure compliance with quality management, biosafety, and biosecurity programs.
• Serve as the coordinator for disease notifications, including those involving select agents, to the appropriate authorities.
• Develop Continuing Education Programs for veterinarians, including finding speakers, instructors, and sponsors, and organizing events.
• Develop and present educational programs for primary and secondary students, focusing on veterinary or animal science topics.
• Provide tours and educational programs for post-secondary education groups and stakeholder groups at the Breathitt Veterinary Center.
• Attend and represent the Breathitt Veterinary Center at stakeholder meetings and veterinary conferences; provide outreach to veterinarians, farmers, and pet owners.
• Perform special projects as determined by the Director.

Requirements

• DVM or equivalent degree required.
• Ability to manipulate large animal carcasses.
• Food and/or companion animal practice experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, supervisory, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
• Problem-solving ability to troubleshoot deficiencies, identify corrective actions, evaluate new processes, and implement plans.
• Pleasant, proactive personality with the ability to handle demanding situations and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Alertness, initiative, memory for verbal and written directions, and analytical ability.
• Ability to plan and make decisions often without instruction or supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in a diagnostic laboratory.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory disciplines.
• Hold or be eligible to obtain a veterinary license in the state of Kentucky.

Benefits

Faculty and staff have access to a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition waivers
• Generous paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and paid parental leave

About the location

Located in Hopkinsville, KY, the Breathitt Veterinary Center is a nationally recognized, AAVLD-accredited, USDA NAHLN Level 1 animal disease diagnostic laboratory. Hopkinsville is an agricultural hub known for its wheat production and is a one-hour drive from Nashville, TN. The city offers a small-town feel with city amenities and is home to Murray State University’s Hopkinsville Regional Campus.