Facility Veterinarian

Job Summary

Join our dynamic team as a Facility Veterinarian, Animal Research Support Branch (ARSB), Bethesda, in the Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR). The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s largest medical research facility, has an exciting position available that requires expertise in laboratory animal medicine. The ARSB operates in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. In addition it: (1) provides medical care to research animals and technical support to Investigators utilizing animals; (2) consults and collaborates with the Intramural research program and their veterinary staff on the veterinary aspects of protocol and study design; (3) plans, manages and coordinates DVR facility operations and resources; (4) provides oversight of animal imports into NIH facilities while maintaining biosecurity of existing colonies; (5) provides a pharmacist and pharmacy and a nutritionist for the intramural research program, and (6) manages and maintains a centralized surgical, intensive care and radiology service to support the NIH Intramural research program. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for serving as Facility Veterinarian and overseeing ARSB staff in DVR-managed facilities on the Bethesda campus and will also provide coverage for veterinarians responsible for facilities at the NIH Animal Center in Poolesville. The candidate will participate in and direct the application of veterinary care and medical oversight for animal colonies to include preventative medicine, health surveillance, medical treatment, research support, anesthesia, surgery, the use of biological, radiological and chemical hazards and animal transfers within and between institutions. Candidate is responsible for planning, managing, and coordinating veterinary and facility resources and clinical/technical programs to ensure high quality veterinary care, research support, regulatory compliance, and AAALAC accreditation. 

The Facility Veterinarian also participates in site visits and routine inspections by internal and external oversight organizations, acts as a liaison between DVR and the NIH Intramural research staff and is responsible for ensuring and overseeing compliance with all applicable regulations, policies and standard operating procedures. The Facility Veterinarian works with and reports to the Assistant Director, ARSB Bethesda to ensure the success of the mission of DVR: “…to contribute to the advancement of NIH biomedical research mission by providing excellence in animal care and specialized research services to support the NIH intramural research mission. DVR is a centrally managed AAALAC International accredited program that is responsive, efficient, and accountable to the NIH researchers’ needs.”

Required Qualifications

Qualifications for the ARSB Facility Veterinarian include a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education.

Graduates of veterinary schools not AVMA accredited must have Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates certification. It is preferable that candidates be Diplomates of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in at least one state. Candidates must also have experience as a supervisor/leader of at least one component of a laboratory animal medicine program. Experience in overseeing animal facilities and/or possession of a certification such as CMAR is favored. Leadership experience and strong ability to work in a team is also preferred.

Benefits

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. A full package of Federal benefits is available including retirement, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, leave, and savings plan(401k equivalent). Appointments for this position are made as Staff Scientist under Title 42 and are open to all sources. The duty station for this position is Montgomery County, Maryland. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. At the NIH, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees in the biomedical research community. Within NIH, the Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) embraces diversity and strives to create and maintain an inclusive environment for all DVR employees.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

Foreign Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.