Veterinary Microbiologist

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) at the Pennsylvania State University, part of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS), is seeking a Veterinary Microbiologist to provide diagnostic services in support of ADL’s mission to protect the health and productivity of Pennsylvania’s poultry and livestock, ensure food safety, and protect human health. This full-time, 48-week, non-tenure track position will be filled at the Assistant Clinical, Associate Clinical, or Clinical Professor level depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The possibility of long-term funding to support this position is excellent.

This primary responsibility (70%) of this position will consist of providing leadership and serving as head of the Bacteriology and Serology sections of the ADL, and being the primary case coordinator for bacteriology and serology diagnostic cases and regulatory testing.

Leadership and oversight of these sections will include providing relevant, accurate and cutting-edge diagnostic tests for endemic diseases of concern in Pennsylvania, as well as regulatory and food-safety (eg. PEQAP) testing services. The individual will work with the other ADL faculty and PADLS leadership to help ensure that the ADL can respond effectively and efficiently to any high-consequence, emerging, and/or trans-boundary disease outbreaks. They will also ensure that all activities under their oversight are compliant with the PADLS Quality Management system, in order to ensure that test results are accurate, repeatable, and reliable.

Timely and effective communication with clients is an important function of the case coordinator role; providing the correct interpretation of diagnostic test results, answering client questions, and assuring relevance and value of ADL’s services. 

The successful candidate will be expected to manage technicians within the Bacteriology and Serology sections, including conducting annual goal-setting, performance reviews and guiding professional development. 

The remaining responsibilities (30%) of this position will consist of applied research in direct support of the ADL mission. This may involve the development of new and improved diagnostic tests, designing tests for emerging diseases, knowledge discovery regarding disease pathogenesis as it relates to improved diagnostics and disease surveillance, and publishing case reports and studies. The incumbent will be expected to develop an extramurally-funded program to support their research, and will disseminate the results of their research through appropriate venues.

The successful candidate may, if desired, contribute to teaching by providing guest lectures in relevant undergraduate or graduate courses within the Department or College. Individual learning opportunities for Penn State students, such as VBSC 496 (Independent Study), or externships for students studying at a school of veterinary medicine, may also be offered. Development of a residency program to provide specialized training and board certification for future veterinary diagnosticians is encouraged.

A DVM, or DVM-equivalent degree, obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education is preferred. 

Post-graduate training and/or board certification in a relevant field (eg. microbiology, bacteriology, immunology) is required. The successful individual should have experience with at minimum the range of bacteriology and serology diagnostic testing currently offered at the ADL. Prior experience at an AAVLD-accredited and/or National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) animal diagnostic laboratory is preferred, as is familiarity with agricultural livestock and/or poultry production systems common in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.  We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Application Information:
Interested candidates must apply online (https://hr.psu.edu/careers), and must:
• Upload a cover letter describing future professional goals related to microbiology and/or immunology diagnostics and applied research.
• Upload a copy of their curriculum vitae.
• Provide a document with the names and contact information of three professional references.
• Provide a “Reflection on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” document.

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies. The review of applications will begin on January 15, 2024 and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

For any questions or additional information about this position, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Ernest Hovingh, Clinical Professor and ADL Director, at [email protected] or 814-863-3745.
 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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