Veterinary Career Center

Join us on the edge of discovery as the Veterinarian in charge of the Surgery Service within the Animal Research Support Branch (ARSB) in the Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR).  The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s largest medical research facility, has an exciting position available that requires expertise in laboratory animal medicine. The ARSB operates in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.  In addition it: (1) provides medical care to research animals and technical support to Investigators utilizing animals; (2) consults and collaborates with the Intramural research program and their veterinary staff on the veterinary aspects of protocol and study design; (3) plans, manages and coordinates DVR facility operations and resources; (4) provides oversight of animal imports into NIH facilities while maintaining biosecurity of existing colonies; (5) provides a pharmacist and pharmacy and a nutritionist for the intramural research program, and (6) manages and maintains a centralized surgical, intensive care and radiology service to support the NIH Intramural research program.

This position primarily entails responsibility for overseeing and managing the DVR Surgery Service at the main NIH Campus in Bethesda, Maryland.  This is a Supervisory position that is responsible for 5 staff, including government and contract.  The successful candidate must be able to perform aseptic techniques, advanced radiographic studies and numerous surgical procedures, as well as develop surgical models.  The candidate must be familiar with procedures involving Neurosurgery, Vascular Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Obstetric Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dental Surgery, and other surgical procedures as well as various modalities of Anesthesiology.  The candidate must be familiar with and have a working knowledge of Digital Radiology, Dental Digital Radiology, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, Endoscopy (flexible and rigid) and Sterilization Methods to include Ethylene Oxide and Steam.  The candidate must be able to work with various laboratory animal species to include nonhuman primates, pigs, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, mice, and rats, as well as other species. 

The candidate will manage the surgery staff, schedule, and property; oversee the Budget; train staff and investigators according to the AWA; advise veterinarians and investigators on surgical models; and approve Animal Study Proposals. Other duties include coverage for veterinarians responsible for NIH facilities housing multiple species and being part of the Emergency, Weekend and Holiday Coverage schedule.  The successful candidate will participate in the application of veterinary care and medical oversight for the animal colony to include preventative medicine, health surveillance, medical treatment, research support, anesthesia, survival and non-survival surgical manipulations, and oversight of animal transfers within and between institutions.  The Surgical Veterinarian also participates in site visits and routine inspections by internal and external oversight organizations and is responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures.  This veterinarian will ensure the success of the mission of DVR: “…to contribute to the advancement of NIH biomedical research mission by providing excellence in animal care and specialized research services to support the NIH intramural research mission.  DVR is a centrally managed AAALAC International accredited program that is responsive, efficient, and accountable to the NIH researchers’ needs.”.

Qualifications for the position include a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, i.e., Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD), obtained at a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education, and a license to practice veterinary medicine in at least 1 state. Graduates of veterinary schools not AVMA accredited must have Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates certification from the AVMA. The successful candidate will be a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or will be ACLAM board eligible (or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) or other potential Board Certifications). Leadership experience and strong ability to work in a team is also preferred.  Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. At the NIH, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees in the biomedical research community. Within NIH, the Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR) embraces diversity and strives to create and maintain an inclusive environment for all DVR employees.  Candidates may be US citizens or resident aliens and the position is subject to a background check conducted by the NIH.