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Job description
Required License/Registration/Certification
State Veterinary License AVMA Certification
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements of this position include: Occasional lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs; occasional standing or walking with objects 30-45lbs; regularly sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time with regular repetitive motions (such as typing); utilizing mouse, keyboard, and phone for portions of the day. Ability to traverse on and off-campus for meetings and to provide service. Must be able to communicate effectively with individuals of various backgrounds and professional levels.
Shift
Primarily days (i.e. Monday – Friday, 7:30a-4:30p ) As an exempt position, job duties may occasionally require additional time in the evenings, nights, holidays and/or weekends to accomplish work goals in excess of 40 hours per week. Required to participate in rotational oncall including nights weekends and holidays. May be required to report when the University is closed to provide treatment & support to our research animals.
Job Summary
Advance Research Excellence Through Animal Care Leadership The University of Kentucky is seeking a DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Associate Director to provide veterinary leadership and operational oversight within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources ( DLAR ) . This role supports the university’s research mission by ensuring the highest standards of animal care, welfare, regulatory compliance, and program quality. The successful candidate will work closely with researchers, faculty, veterinary staff, and regulatory bodies while providing both clinical expertise and leadership across key DLAR programs.
What You’ll Do
Provide veterinary care, medical oversight, and clinical support for research animals
Perform facility rounds and monitor animal health, welfare, and housing conditions
Consult with investigators on protocol development, animal models, surgery, anesthesia, analgesia, and post-operative care
Participate in IACUC activities, protocol reviews, inspections, and accreditation efforts
Provide leadership and operational oversight for multiple DLAR programs and services
Develop and maintain SOPs, training programs, and compliance initiatives
Mentor veterinarians, technicians, and research personnel
Support AAALAC accreditation and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and professional standards
What You’ll Bring
Expertise in laboratory animal medicine and veterinary clinical care
Strong understanding of animal welfare regulations, accreditation standards, and research compliance requirements
Experience supporting biomedical research programs and collaborating with investigators
Leadership, mentoring, and program management capabilities
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to manage complex clinical, operational, and regulatory responsibilities
DVM
5 years of related experience
State Veterinary License
AVMA Certification
What’s In It for You
Meaningful impact: Support research that advances human and animal health
Leadership opportunity: Guide veterinary programs and influence the future of animal research support services
Professional growth: Engage with cutting-edge biomedical research and laboratory animal medicine
Collaborative environment: Partner with researchers, veterinarians, technicians, and regulatory professionals across the university
Hybrid flexibility: Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements with approval
Why Now?
As research programs grow in complexity and scope, the need for experienced veterinary leadership becomes increasingly important. This position provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the university’s animal care and use program while supporting innovative research initiatives across multiple disciplines. In this role, you’ll contribute to the continued advancement of a nationally recognized research environment by ensuring exceptional animal care, fostering regulatory excellence, and helping researchers achieve their scientific goals responsibly and ethically.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Leadership, Training, Microsoft Office, Outlook
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ( DVM ) degree from a veterinary college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association ( AVMA ) Council on Education. ACLAM Diplomate certification.
Deadline to Apply
Deadline to Apply 09/10/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Are you licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth of Kentucky or are you eligible to be licensed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky within six months of hire? Yes
No
* Describe your experience in leading a team or an organization. What is your approach to leadership in building engaged, supportive teams? (Open Ended Question)
* Describe a specific project to which you contributed that impacted organizational improvement. (Open Ended Question)
* Describe a time you have had to work through significant challenges with staff members. (Open Ended Question)
* The nature of the duties of this position require sustained physical effort involving manual skill, lifting over 50 lbs, dexterity, and hand/eye coordination. This will include risk of back injury from moving, lifting or positioning equipment, or materials; risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, animal pathological specimens, bloodborne/airborne pathogens, recombinant DNA or viral vectors; as well as animal handling (including carcasses) Can you meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodations? Yes
No
Required Documents
Curriculum Vita
Cover Letter
Optional Documents
Resume
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.