Director of Comparative Medicine

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Director of Comparative Medicine / Attending Veterinarian

Location: Naples, Florida

Industry: Preclinical Contract Research Organization (CRO)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Team Size: 7 Direct Reports | Department Size: ~50 FTEs

Seniority Level: Executive / Senior Leadership

Compensation: Highly Competitive Salary + Executive Benefits Package

About the Opportunity

We are a fast-growing, agile preclinical CRO specializing in Non-Human Primates (NHPs), and we're seeking a highly experienced Director of Comparative Medicine / Attending Veterinarian to lead our veterinary, scientific, and animal care teams. Based in Naples, FL, this is a significantly senior position—responsible for overseeing all veterinary medical programs, all research involving animals at the site, and serving as the facility’s designated Attending Veterinarian (AV).

This role goes well beyond traditional veterinary oversight. It encompasses cross-functional leadership, scientific collaboration, regulatory guidance, and strategic input into the growth of the organization. You’ll supervise a group of 6 departmental leaders and a staff of 50+, managing all aspects of animal health, study support, compliance, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Direct and oversee veterinary medical programs, animal welfare, and research support across the site.
• Actively shape and drive strategic initiatives in alignment with company goals.
• Supervise 6 departmental leads across key areas: Surgical Services, Breeding & Enrichment, Clinical Veterinary Services, Processing & Quarantine, IACUC & Regulatory, and Technical Operations.
• Allocate resources effectively across departments to meet study objectives and animal care priorities.
• Lead multi-site veterinary initiatives and ensure consistency in standards and outcomes.

Veterinary & Scientific Management

• Serve as the Attending Veterinarian and regulatory point-of-contact for USDA, AAALAC, and IACUC.
• Provide high-level clinical oversight and consultation for routine and complex veterinary care, with a strong emphasis on NHP medicine.
• Design and implement comprehensive animal welfare programs, including preventive medicine, enrichment, and environmental monitoring.
• Develop, review, revise, and enforce SOPs, protocols, and training manuals in compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Consult with study directors and clients on study design, procedural techniques, and species-specific considerations.
• Manage controlled substance usage in accordance with DEA regulations.

Operational & Team Leadership

• Oversee departmental staffing, development, and performance evaluations.
• Establish and communicate clear performance expectations and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure appropriate training in technical procedures, humane handling, and regulatory compliance for all veterinary and support staff.
• Participate in and guide IACUC activities, including protocol review, facility inspections, and compliance reporting.
• Lead by example in mentoring, conflict resolution, and employee engagement across veterinary services.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Conduct bi-annual SOP reviews and internal regulatory audits.
• Provide leadership in health and safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and occupational health planning.
• Generate and maintain records for internal tracking and external regulatory reporting.

Required Qualifications

• DVM/VMD from an accredited institution.
• DACLAM certification required.
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in laboratory animal medicine, with direct experience in NHP research and care.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary teams (ideally overseeing 20+ staff).
• Experience in CRO, pharmaceutical, or academic research settings.
• Proven ability to manage multiple functional areas and/or sites.
• Strong working knowledge of IACUC processes, AAALAC accreditation, USDA regulations, and DEA compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic growth experience in a CRO or translational research environment.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling studies and collaborating directly with study sponsors.
• Familiarity with animal health record systems and digital data management platforms.

Why Join The Team?

• Be at the helm of a growing, agile organization with a specialized focus on NHP research.
• Lead a high-functioning team and shape organizational practices from the top down.
• Enjoy support from a Senior Director of Operations while having autonomy to drive your vision.
• Join a culture of excellence, innovation, and respect for both animals and people.