SITE DIRECTOR - VETERINARY PROGRAM OPERATIONS, ARIZONA

As a University of Washington employee, the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. University of Washington employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

University of Washington faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Washington National Primate Center (WaNPRC) has an outstanding opportunity for a Site Director - Veterinary Program Operations based in MESA, ARIZONA to join their team.

The primary purpose of this position is to fulfill the mission of WaNPRC which is to empower the delivery of leading-edge scientific discoveries and promoting the highest standards of care, health, well-being and conservation for primates around the world . In conjunction with our Mission Statement, these values link this position to our purpose as a Center:

•  Commitment to Foundational Research

•  Teamwork

•  Accountability and Productivity

•  Productivity

•  Clear and Respectful Communication

This position is an Assistant Director level position, under the general direction of the WaNPRC Director in Seattle, and with delegated authority, the Site Director of the Arizona Breeding Colony (ABC) provides facility, clinical care and leadership oversight at this location. Primary duties to include but not limited to: Personnel Management/Facility Oversight, Breeding Colony Management, Regulatory Compliance and Veterinary Services, in conjunction of critical veterinary care of nonhuman primates (NHPs) used for breeding and research support at WaNPRC and beyond.  This position requires: management acumen, leadership skills, excellent communication skills, clinical and surgical veterinary skills, the ability to maintain clinical records and databases, computer literacy, strong organizational skills, direct interaction with diverse groups within WaNPRC, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

This position must:

•  Ensure optimal veterinary health care of NHPs at ABC and ensure the support of breeding programs within the WaNPRC facilities;

•  Ensure the University of Washington Mesa, AZ site remains in compliance with federal regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), National Institute of Health (NIH) PHS policy and Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) and with accreditation standards of AAALAC International;

•  Provide direction and oversight to the ABC, as well as communication with the Seattle site to ensure seamless transitions, and the production of the most optimal animal models possible.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Personnel Management/Facility Oversight (50%)
•  Provide general supervision for veterinary, husbandry, behavior management, and facilities staff.

•  Provide supervision of veterinary clinical staff members as needed.

•  Provide training to veterinary technicians, husbandry staff, students, residents, and visiting scientists.

•  Work with on-site and remote management  and clinical care staff to establish priorities for program improvements.

Veterinary Services (25%)
•  Perform preventative medicine including but not limited to: quarantine procedures, dental procedures, review of health records and diagnostics of NHPs, review of and modification of clinical treatment protocols.

•  Develop and implement plans for preventative medicine including review of present preventative plans and modification of preventative plans or protocols based on clinical outcomes.

•  Perform animal health maintenance including but not limited to: surveillance of colony animal health in conjunction with other veterinary clinical staff and colony staff, infectious disease testing, routine physical exams and bio-sample analysis and dental health examination.

•  Present weekly summary of open clinical cases and follow-up results of closed clinical cases during weekly clinical rounds meetings. Participate in weekly clinical facility and center-wide rounds meetings to discuss cases of concern, present diagnostic or pathology findings, and present short training sessions, ensuring seamless integration between the Seattle and Mesa AZ WaNPRC sites.

•  Provide care to sick or injured animals including provision of follow-up care and release from clinical treatment.

•  Maintain clinical records in a custom electronic database, the Animal Research Management System (ARMS).

•  Keep continuous surveillance for clinical signs of disease and injury.

•  Perform radiology, ultrasound, and surgical procedures as required.

•  Provide care for pregnant and neonatal NHPs as required.

•  Perform sedation and anesthesia with controlled drugs, and provide patient peri-operative anesthesia and monitoring as needed.

•  Provide and oversee post-operative intensive care, including the use of sedatives, analgesics, and antibiotics as needed.

•  Provide weekend/holiday on call coverage in rotation with other on-site  and Seattle located veterinarians as needed.

•  Perform the duties required of Essential Personnel members in the event of an emergency.

•  Ensure that all procedures performed have the appropriate regulatory and internal approvals prior to being performed.

•  Communicate regularly with veterinary, husbandry, pathology, and behavioral management staff as well as the Director to ensure continuity of care and process between the Seattle and AZ sites.

•  Stay current on all required training.

Breeding Colony Management (15%)
•  Manage group housed breeding groups in consultation with Behavior Management Services.

•  Perform regular behavioral assessments for group dynamics and communicate with behavioral management services to optimize social housing environment.

•  Evaluate genetics of breeding groups in collaboration with the Associate Director in Seattle.

•  Understand production cycles and proper breeding and weaning for colony health.

Regulatory Compliance (10%)
•  Maintain compliance with all USDA, PHS, OLAW, DEA, AAALAC, University of Washington, and WaNPRC policies and procedures.

•  Provide direct monitoring of clinical cases and present verbal and written reports to the University of Washington Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Attending Veterinarian.

•  Oversee management of controlled substance inventory and appropriate record keeping. Determine and direct use of anesthetic and analgesic agents

•  Participate in continuing education opportunities, including small animal continuing education courses and literature pertaining to NHPs; NHP related conferences and meetings, specialty practice conferences and inter-department research related lectures and literature.

•  Provide orientation, training, and refresher training for on-site  and visiting personnel.

•  Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and coordinate with Seattle on SOP maintenance and generation and review.

•  Participate in WaNPRC and University of Washington committees and National Primate Research Center Consortium working groups as appropriate.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the success of our research enterprise and are embedded in the culture of who we are as an institution and employer.  We create progressive change honoring the unique and diverse perspectives in the Office of Research and the University of Washington research community.  We strengthen our commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering an environment of authenticity in support of our mission to provide an equitable and accessible community to all. Read more here:
https://www.washington.edu/research/or/office-of-research-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
•  Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from a College of Veterinary Medicine that is accredited by the American Veterinary Association or has a certificate issued by the American Veterinary Association’s Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG in progress will be considered), and a license to practice veterinary medicine in Arizona. PhD in addition to DVM highly desirable.  At least 4-5 years of applicable work experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
•  A minimum of 4-5 years of clinical and surgical experience with laboratory animals including nonhuman primates, or completed lab animal residency.

•  It is necessary to have clinical proficiency with NHPs, a high level of technical skills specific to NHPs, understanding of animal welfare regulations, and an understanding and proficiency in biosafety principles.

•  Supervisory, managerial and leadership experience.

•  Excellent written and oral communication skills.

•  Proficiency in use of computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, database software, and internet usage.

•  Demonstrated capacity to work well independently and in collaboration with a diverse staff.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•  Board certification in Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or similar board certification.

•  Teaching experience both in a classroom setting and with individuals.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

•  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of health assessment at the University of Washington's Employee Health Clinic.  The health assessment may include but is not limited to tuberculosis clearance, measles clearance, serum banking, immunizations, such as tetanus and measles, physical exam and/or review of work health history, x-rays, and/or assessment to wear positive or negative respiratory protective equipment.  These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignment.

•  Punctuality, regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function of this position.

•  May be required to work with and take specific precautions, against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents.  Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.

•  Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures and staying current on all required training.  Bloodborne pathogen training and compliance with all WaNPRC and University of Washington security policies is also mandatory.

•  This position involves handling NHPs and human pathogenic organisms.  The ability to work in an ABSL 2 containment facility is required.

•  In addition, the employee is required to maintain all necessary licensing credentials as determined by State and Federal Laws.

•  Adhere to the WaNPRC Environmental Enhancement Plan requirements for NHPs.

•  Ensure a working knowledge of classical and operant conditioning principles and how they apply to handling primates in a research environment, with positive reinforcement as the expectation.

Application Process:   The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.