Veterinarian

A leading, accredited preclinical research organization is seeking a Lead Clinical Veterinarian to direct its Veterinary Department. This position performs a critical function in supporting exceptional animal care, welfare, and clinical oversight within a regulated preclinical research program. The Lead Clinical Veterinarian provides strategic leadership, guidance, and clinical decision-making to ensure the highest standards of care in accordance with accepted veterinary standards, study protocols, applicable regulations, and institutional policies. Serving as the primary veterinary resource, this role supports animal welfare, study quality, and regulatory compliance across all preclinical operations. This position requires sound clinical judgment, effective communication, and close collaboration with cross-functional study and animal care teams. Key Responsibilities Departmental Leadership: Direct the veterinary department, providing clinical leadership, oversight, and guidance to animal care, surgical, and study personnel to ensure high standards of welfare and compliance. Clinical Oversight: Oversee and provide expert recommendations related to animal husbandry, quarantine, preventive medicine, vaccination, anesthesia, analgesia, post-procedural care, treatment programs, and humane endpoints. Clinical Evaluations & Care: Perform clinical evaluations of research animals when health concerns arise. Determine appropriate clinical recommendations, treatment plans, diagnostic procedures, follow-up actions, and documentation requirements. Pre-Study Screening: Conduct pre-study screening activities for study animals, including physical examinations and assessments of animal suitability for specific study assignments. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate effective communication among veterinary, animal care, surgical, study direction, and management teams to ensure health and welfare concerns are promptly identified, escalated, and addressed. Post-Operative Monitoring: Monitor animal recovery from anesthesia and evaluate post-operative animals following surgical or interventional procedures to support optimal healing and pain management. Regulatory Compliance: Provide expert input into the interpretation and implementation of applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, including GLP , USDA Animal Welfare Act , AAALAC expectations, and internal SOPs. SOP Development: Participate in the creation, review, revision, and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to veterinary care, clinical observations, and surgical support. IACUC Participation: Serve as a core member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), supporting protocol reviews, facility inspections, and programmatic oversight. Job Requirements Education & Certification Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution. Current veterinary license in the state of Minnesota , or clear eligibility to obtain Minnesota licensure prior to employment. Technical Experience & Knowledge Minimum of 3+ years of experience working as a veterinarian in a research, laboratory animal, preclinical, or highly regulated animal care setting. Demonstrated experience working with large animal models is strongly preferred. Strong working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations, USDA Animal Welfare Act requirements, AAALAC expectations, and The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Proven ability to exercise independent clinical judgment and provide leadership within a preclinical research environment. Excellent cross-functional communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with animal care staff, surgical teams, Study Directors, management, and IACUC representatives. Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated understanding of good documentation practices. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Ability to work effectively in a preclinical research environment involving multiple animal species, surgical suites, procedure rooms, and animal housing areas. Comfort working in varying environmental conditions (e.g., hot, humid, cold, noisy, or odorous areas) and standing/walking for extended periods of the workday. Ability to wear all required PPE, including gowns, gloves, masks, face shields, and respirators. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull animals, equipment, or supplies up to 50–75 pounds as required by operational needs. Manual dexterity sufficient to perform complex clinical examinations, handle delicate surgical instruments, and administer treatments. Potential exposure to animal allergens, disinfectants, anesthetic gases, and other research-related occupational hazards. Flexibility for occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call availability based on animal health and operational needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr