Careers @ MSU

The successful candidate(s) will participate in the outreach mission of the laboratory, the preclinical and/or clinical training of DVM students, and the advising, mentoring, and instruction of graduate students and pathology residents. Participation in collaborative research and publication, including utilization of diagnostic materials in a scholarly manner, is expected. The individual will be expected to commit 50-65% time on diagnostic service (biopsy and/or necropsy). The remainder of the appointment will be tailored to the successful applicant’s interests and experience in teaching, research, outreach, and administrative service. 

The MSU CVM delivers innovative pre-clinical and clinical education that fosters exploration and provides knowledge in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree Program; develops the next generation of scientists through multi-disciplinary and innovative graduate programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in the Comparative Molecular and Integrative Biology (CMIB) program; and supports the mission of Michigan State University, contributing to science and public health by developing new solutions to the world's health challenges and disseminating that knowledge through scholarly and community engagement. The MSU Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) is a major referral center for companion animals and horses as well as for livestock, laboratory, zoo, and wildlife species. It has outstanding veterinary medical professionals and facilities, and it offers an excellent environment for professional growth and advancement in anatomic pathology.  

The MSU VDL is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and is one of the premier veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the world. The MSU VDL provides full-service laboratory support to the MSU VMC using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as to clients nationally and internationally.  

The VDL anatomic pathology section provides surgical and molecular pathology and necropsy services for all species and includes 11 full-time anatomic pathologists. The surgical pathology service receives submissions from around the world, with approximately 21,000 biopsy submissions in 2024. The service incorporates specialized testing and services, including oncopathology, dermatopathology, ocular pathology, and hepatic and gastrointestinal specialties; melanoma and mast cell tumor diagnostics and prognostication; lymphoma clonality testing; automated immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization; and genetic testing. The necropsy service has large, well-equipped BL2 and BL3 necropsy suites, designated rooms for avian necropsies, demonstration viewing areas, and advanced equipment for telecommunication and digital gross imaging. In 2024, this service received approximately 1,400 necropsies. Other capabilities include seven IHC instruments to perform the extensive library of IHC testing, laser capture microdissection, generation of tissue-microarrays, and electron microscopy. The VDL is devoted to staying on the cutting edge of diagnostics, and recent investments have included movement to a ‘green’ (xylene free) histology department with automated slide staining and cover slipping, digital PCR, and next generation sequencing. In addition, the section has a large and well-established residency program which partners with industry and provides faculty the opportunity to participate in training the next generation of veterinary diagnostic scientists.  

Michigan State University, the pioneer land-grant school, is one of the top research universities in the world where veterinary science has been taught since its 1855 founding. East Lansing's collegiate atmosphere is complemented by low cost of living with convenient access to large cultural centers such as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago. East Lansing and surrounding communities provide excellent public school systems. In addition, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, with its numerous inland lakes and rivers, state and national parks, national lakeshores, world-class golf courses, and ample snowfall offers a broad variety of seasonal outdoor recreational activities. Visit the Pure Michigan© website www.puremichigan.org for more details. 

Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae along with the names and contact information for three professional references who will be asked to evaluate the candidate's diagnostic acumen, interpersonal and communication skills, teaching attributes, and research experience and potential. Candidates must also include a letter of intent specifying their qualifications, professional experience, career goals, and commitment to diagnostic service.