Attending Veterinarian

About UTEP

The University of Texas at El Paso is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.

UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 24,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 172 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

About the Department

The Laboratory Animal Resources Center (LARC) is committed to providing UTEP faculty, staff and students with veterinary and personnel training and expertise in laboratory animal technology and medicine. LARC exists to promote humane animal care and use in support of UTEP’s research goals through compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and our own IACUC and departmental policies. The LARC advises and educates researchers on animal experimentation issues and provides guidance and review in the protocol writing process, while promoting contemporary best practices for the responsible use of animals. Our goal is provision of quality animal care which is key to obtaining consistent and reliable data.

Position Information

Hiring Department: Research & Innovation - Laboratory Animal Resources Center

Posting End Date: Open until filled. 

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday- Friday 7:15am- 4:15pm, flexibility is required on evenings and weekends

FLSA status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date:  As soon as possible.

Salary: $150,000 annually.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of three references

The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver’s license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

Purpose of Position

Summary:  The University Attending Veterinarian (AV) reports to the Associate Vice President for Research Compliance, Regulatory Assurances, & Integrity and is responsible for a wide range of services that support the use of laboratory animals in research and teaching. The position is multi-faceted, requiring leadership, involvement, and oversight in all aspects of the Program assuring compliance with all current federal, state and university animal welfare regulations.

Essential Functions

To provide veterinary care for various species of research animals through disease prevention, clinical care, health monitoring and quality assurance measures. This position is with The Office of Research and Innovation.

Responsible for overseeing animal procurement and quarantine, collaborating with faculty regarding animal research and support services, ensuring compliance with university policy and governmental animal welfare regulations for AAALAC International accreditation,  and training all users. 

Specific Job-Related Duties:

• Plans and implements preventative medicine programs
• Identifies deficiencies and ensures correction of procedures, equipment and policies as it pertains to animal welfare.
• Plans and conducts clinical care of research animals; as well as clinical oversight/support to animals in housing environments from barrier to ABSL1-3.
• Plans and organizes veterinary drug and equipment purchases.
• Reviews reports of incoming notices for applicable animal health monitoring.
• Facilitates, participates and assists in expediting planned research.
• Along with Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) staff, responsible for daily clinical rounds to monitor health of animals.
• Monitors non-surgical, surgical and post-operative care.
• Partakes in emergency veterinarian calls which may occur during the evening, weekends or holidays.
• Maintains and monitors clinical documentation and integrity of the animal records.
• Provide formal and informal training and consultation for faculty, staff, and students on methods of laboratory animal surgery, aseptic technique, pre-and post-op care, pain management, and euthanasia.
• Attend IACUC and IBC meetings
• Facilitates and participates in the development and implementation of assigned new initiatives, programs, services and relationships to enhance service and outcomes for research.
• Works with Principal Investigators and research staff to promote communication
• Consults with researchers on protocol development and study design
• Conduct protocol reviews to ensure PHS animal welfare compliance is followed
• May perform semi-annual inspections of animal care areas
• Monitors and assures department activities are in compliance with regulatory and accrediting requirement and initiates corrective action as appropriate
• Familiar with internal, regulatory and other applicable documentation 
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.
• Complies with all State and University policies.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from a school approved or accredited by the AVMA.

and

Experience: 3-7 years experience in clinical practice, research, or academia. Experience in animal research, particularly with rodents; knowledge of effective procedural techniques and practices; strong communication and interpersonal skills with a high degree of professionalism in working with Principal Investigators and research staff at all levels of organization. Knowledge of governmental regulations and contemporary practices in animal care and use. Ability to work in a biocontainment level three facility or become trained within one year of hire. 

Licenses: The selected applicant must hold a current veterinary license to practice in at least one U.S. state and must obtain Texas Veterinary Licensure within one year of employment. Candidates should be ACLAM board-eligible or willing to pursue ACLAM board eligibility and must meet the requirements to obtain DEA Registration.

Note: Training resources may be provided to assist with Texas licensure and ACLAM board certification. A relocation package may be available for qualified candidates, subject to institutional guidelines and budget availability.

Preferred Qualifications:

7+ years of significant experience in research compliance, leadership, and regulatory affairs

Additional Information

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 25 pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.