About Us - Values Overview:

Department Summary

The Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) is committed to providing UNTHSC faculty, staff, students and other partners with high quality, cost-effective research bio-resources. DLAM has a dedicated and experienced staff that contributes to the HSC’s exemplary program of animal care and use. DLAM provides veterinary and personnel training and expertise in laboratory animal medicine and technology.

DLAM is dedicated to support the University’s research and teaching goals, to promote and assure humane care and use of animals through compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International and University policies for the humane care and use of animals.

DLAM advises and educates researchers, staff, students and other professionals on animal experimentation issues and promotes best practices for the responsible use of animals.

Our primary concern is the welfare of the animals used in the facility. We maintain vigilance in ensuring that the animals experience proper care and handling with minimal discomfort or pain, as well as live in an enriching environment. We adopt and abide by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine’s Position Statement regarding animal experimentation.

Position Overview

The University of North Texas Health Science Center (HSC) is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Associate Director & Clinical Veterinarian to join the Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM). This position offers a unique leadership opportunity to contribute to HSC’s expanding research mission while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and veterinary care.

Reporting to the Executive Director and Attending Veterinarian, the Associate Director & Clinical Veterinarian will provide clinical and surgical support for research animals, offer guidance in animal model development, and play a key role in programmatic planning and staff training. This is a full-time position with the possible opportunity for faculty appointment, depending on qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications

DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited institution, ACLAM board certification or board eligibility required, and 3 years of experience in laboratory animal medicine, including surgical and clinical support in an academic or biomedical research setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(S) Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
(A) Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
(A) Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision.
(A) Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or
assemble very small objects.
(A) Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
(K) Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
(S) Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
(A) Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
(K) Knowledge of, or ability to learn, policies, procedures, and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited institution.
• ACLAM board certification or board-eligibility required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in laboratory animal medicine, including surgical and clinical support in an academic or biomedical research setting.
• Strong knowledge of applicable regulations (OLAW, USDA, AAALAC, IACUC policies).
• Experience with a variety of laboratory animal species; large animal experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, mentoring, and fostering a culture of compliance and compassion.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

• Licensed Veterinarian by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Provisional license is accepted at the time of hire; however, Veterinary License by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners must be obtained within 12 months of hire.
• ACLAM board certification or board-eligibility required.

Job Duties:

• Provide comprehensive veterinary care for a diverse research animal population, including rodents, rabbits, and large animals. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert in anesthesia, analgesia, surgical support, and animal model development.
• Assist with IACUC activities, including protocol review, semiannual inspections, and compliance oversight. Serve as a voting or alternate member.
• Collaborate with investigators to ensure sound experimental design, humane practices, and regulatory alignment. 
• Participate in training and mentoring of veterinary staff, lab animal technicians, and research personnel in animal handling, minor surgical procedures, and diagnostic techniques. 
• Support biosafety and controlled substance protocols and maintain appropriate documentation. 
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement of the animal care program. 
• Participate in on-call coverage for after-hours and weekend veterinary care.
• Assist with IBC activities, including protocol review, facility inspections, and compliance oversight. Serve as a voting or alternate member of the IBC. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Work Schedule:

8am-5pm M-F with rotating weekends on call

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.