Assistant University Veterinarian, VP Research

Animal Care Services within VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Assistant University Veterinarian.

The Assistant University Veterinarian provides veterinary care, oversight, and leadership for animals used in research, teaching, and testing at the University of Calgary, with a strong focus on animal welfare, regulatory compliance, CCAC standards, education, and support for researchers and animal care teams. The role requires a DVM (or equivalent), eligibility for a general Alberta veterinary licence. At least two years of animal-based research experience is preferred.

Strong communication, leadership, teamwork, and time-management skills are essential. Experience working with multiple species and advanced research training are considered assets.

The Assistant University Veterinarian (AUV) reports to the Head University Veterinarian (UV). The AUV provides veterinary care and oversight of animals involved in research, teaching, and testing at the University of Calgary (UCalgary). The AUV assures that the housing, husbandry, and use of such animals upholds exemplary ethical standards, meets all applicable legislation, and follows guidelines and policies published by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.

The AUV provides directional advice and assistance to the administration, managerial staff, and animal care staff of the respective animal facilities. The AUV provides direction and support to Registered Veterinary Technologists, assistance with animal-related matters within their jurisdiction, and assistance with animal-related educational programs on a campus-wide basis such as the Institutional Animal User Training Program.

The AUV participates in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures and other documents related to animals/animal use  AUV is an active ex officio member of the University Animal Welfare Committee and Animal Care Committees (ACCs), and also supports the Head University Veterinarian and the University of Calgary Animal Care and Use Program. The AUV provides shared on-call veterinary services with the Associate University Veterinarian and other Assistant University Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technologists on weekends and holidays.

Emergency and on-call coverage can result in irregular hours. In the absence of the Head University Veterinarian or Associate University Veterinarian, an AUV may be designated to act in these capacities. The AUV has a strong role in animal use education for faculty members, support staff, post-doctoral researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students, and may be involved with collaborative research or independent research.

Some travel to animal and teaching facilities located at various university campuses and sites can be expected.

(job functions include but are not limited to):

In collaboration with the Animal Resources Centre management and staff, the AHU and UCARE contribute to upholding the mission and goals of the University of Calgary. This is accomplished by: creating and delivering exemplary animal care services, conducting ethical review of animal uses, and promoting and enhancing competency in use of animals in research and teaching within a productive work and learning environment.

The AUV is part of an extensive AHU team. Together with UCARE, the AHU provides advice, education, and assistance for faculty members, doctoral researchers, students, and support staff using animals in research. This includes providing the expertise necessary to efficiently, effectively, and ethically aid in the accomplishment of research objectives of the faculty and students. Within this team, the AUV is responsible for a number of functions.

• Providing veterinary care and…