Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Director of the Comparative Biology Core (CBC) who will also serve as the Attending Veterinarian.

The Comparative Biology Core (CBC) is a longstanding, comprehensive animal care facility that facilitates the broad scientific goals of Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The Director of CBC will also serve as the Attending Veterinarian, and in this role will oversee the animal program at Pennington Biomedical. This oversight includes the fiscal operation of the core, management of staff, veterinary care and animal husbandry, regulatory compliance, interacting with research faculty and staff to facilitate a cutting-edge research program, and interacting with facility and maintenance staff to provide a high-quality facility that meets ongoing research needs. 

Job Responsibilities

• Broadly overseeing the day-to-day operation of the animal facility. Maintain a working knowledge of all aspects of facility operation and logistics. Regularly review operational protocols and seek to improve efficiency while maintaining a high-quality lab animal research environment.

• Interact with faculty and research staff to facilitate the research mission of Pennington Biomedical while also prioritizing animal welfare. Such interactions include consulting on animal welfare and management, breeding, experimental design, surgical and non-surgical procedures and methodology, nutritional interventions, etc.

• Work closely with the Assistant Director to manage CBC staff, including the hiring, training, career development, and performance evaluations of employees.

• Oversee the veterinary care program, working with CBC staff, Pennington Biomedical faculty, and laboratory research staff to coordinate care. 

• Oversee health monitoring program, biosecurity, and containment protocols, including the sentinel program, sterilization methodologies, and the import, quarantine, and integration of research models from other facilities.

• Work closely with the Institutional Official and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee to oversee the animal program, maintain appropriate accreditations, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations.  Serve as a voting member of the IACUC. Work with the Safety Officer to maintain the Occupational Health and Safety Program, particularly as it relates to the Animal Facility.

• Oversee the fiscal operations of the Comparative Biology Core. Prepare annual budget requests and work with the Assistant Director related to equipment and supply purchases, etc.

• Engage with the Facilities Director related to ongoing facility needs, including maintenance and construction, to maintain a high-quality animal facility and research environment. 

• Establish and update plans for both operations and veterinary care in the advent of emergencies.

• Participate in grant applications that support the renovation, modernization, or expansion of the animal facility.

• Rotate in after-hours, weekend, or holiday on-call services related to facility operation or veterinary care.  

Required and Preferred Qualifications

• DVM, VMD, or equivalent

• Minimum of 5 years of experience

• Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DACLAM) preferred