DVR Director (& Veterinarian)

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The Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) has a great job opportunity for a seasoned Veterinary Director/Veterinarian to work at the University of Miami.

Work Location: Medical Campus

The Director, DVR leads the Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) and serves as the Attending Veterinarian as part of the animal program at University of Miami (UM), which is an AAALAC accredited program spanning across three campuses that house research animals. The incumbent in this position reports to the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Management:

• Serve as a senior member of the Vice Provost for Research & Scholarship’s leadership team and collaborates with institutional stakeholders to develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans for animal research, care, and use, aligned with the University’s research goals.

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the operations and performance of all animal facilities, personnel, and related activities.

• Structure and optimize operations to ensure exceptional service delivery and staff performance.

• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability and institutional pride throughout the department.

• Strengthen relationships with principal investigators and research teams by ensuring high-quality service, regular communication, and mechanisms for transparent feedback.

• Anticipate and address the evolving needs of the research community to ensure the department provides high-quality animal care support.

• Manage physical assets, including facilities, equipment, and space to ensure effective and efficient utilization. Participate in planning for any changes in the animal research space.

• Assess strategic needs and lead the development of proposals for institutional funding, including infrastructure improvements and major equipment purchases.

• Oversee implementation and use of animal management software/systems to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Position the University as a leader in laboratory animal resource management.

Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation:

• Maintain extensive knowledge of all regulatory agencies, rules, and standards governing animal care and use.

• Serve as a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), providing guidance to ensure regulatory compliance and animal welfare.

• Ensure adherence to all applicable regulations and standards, including AWAR, PHS Policy, and other oversight and accrediting bodies.

• Oversee policies and procedures that ensure the ethical and humane treatment of animals used in research, teaching, and testing.

• Lead efforts to maintain AAALAC accreditation, including preparation for site visits and management of required documentation.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and oversee emergency preparedness plans for animal care facilities.

Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare:

• Oversee the University’s chief attending veterinarian and maintain authority for the health and daily care of all laboratory animals.

• Through the attending veterinarians, direct the provision of veterinary medical care, including clinical services and consultation to researchers, ensuring the health and well-being of all species under University care.

• Ensure the adequacy and quality of the veterinary care program, including clinical, preventive, and emergency care components.

• Provide guidance on research procedures involving animals, including anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care.

• Oversee the animal care department, including oversight of animal care technicians who provide daily husbandry, monitoring, and care across multiple animal care facilities. Ensure staffing levels, training, performance standards, and workflows support high-quality, compliant daily care.

• Deliver training and expert consultation to principal investigators and laboratory staff to promote best practices and regulatory compliance.

Research Support and Collaboration:

• Provide expert advice on animal care practices and research protocols, helping to resolve issues and ensure seamless communication.

• In collaboration with the IACUC, ensure education and training of animal research and care personnel in proper procedures and best practices.

• Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in animal welfare, veterinary care, and husbandry practices, adapting protocols to meet evolving needs.

• Contribute to grant and contract applications, collaborating on extramural funding initiatives that advance research goals.

• Foster collaboration within the University and across the institution to support and enhance research activities, consistent with the University's culture and mission as a research university and medical center.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Represent the animal resources program on institutional committees and groups, advocating for the needs and interests of the department and animal welfare.

• Represent the University at professional conferences and symposia, staying current with advancements in the field and contributing to the broader scientific community.

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing the University at local, regional, and national levels.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS 

Education:

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited institution. Current veterinary license in at least one U.S. state. Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Florida within 6 months of employment.

Certification and Licensing:

USDA veterinary accreditation. Board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or equivalent.

Experience:

Minimum of seven (7) years of experience. Ten (10) years of experience in laboratory animal medicine and animal care programs with a demonstrated record of leadership, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across a large, complex institution.

• Strong leadership abilities with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge of business and management principles.

• Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.

• Ability to establish department goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.

• Ability to effectively plan, delegate and/or supervise the work of others.

• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.

Department Specific Functions

The Director of the Division of Veterinary Resources in the UM Office of the Vice Provost for Research provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for the University of Miami’s veterinary and animal resources programs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of animal care and use in research, maintaining rigorous regulatory compliance, and supporting a collaborative and innovative research environment.

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The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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