Position Overview

The University of Calgary Animal Research & Education (UCARE) unit is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Assistant University Veterinarian for approximately 6 months.

The Assistant University Veterinarian (AUV) reports to the University Veterinarian, and will support research, education, and service within the University. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing animal care components of the Health Sciences Campus animal facilities (Health Sciences Animal Resources Centre and satellite facilities). There are several Animal Resources facilities which serve the major University Faculties using animals in research and teaching including conventional, exclusion barrier, biohazard containment and germ-free research animal areas. The responsibilities include providing professional veterinary care services, advice and expertise on care and use of university animals, Animal Care Committee participation, and participation in the Institutional Animal User Training program. The Assistant University Veterinarian will ensure that animals used in teaching and research are cared for in accordance with government legislation and regulations, the professional and ethical codes, and the guidelines and standards to which the University adheres and in accordance with other applicable University policies.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provides veterinary/health care for the University's laboratory/research animals. Shares with other University veterinarians the 24-hour emergency coverage of animal facilities
• The quality and consistency of animal care is expected to meet or exceed the applicable CCAC requirements
• As required, may be requested to serve as an acting University Veterinarian in the absence of the University Veterinarian (and by the direction of the University Veterinarian)
• As required, may be requested to serve as an acting Associate University Veterinarian in the absence of the Associate University Veterinarian (and by the direction of the University Veterinarian)
• Coordinates the duties of associated Registered Veterinary Technologists and Surgical Technicians
• Provides assessment of Registered Veterinary Technologists and Surgical Technicians' performance including contributions to career Development Plans, in conjunction with the University Veterinarian
• Assists in the training of veterinary students and veterinary residents in laboratory animal medicine and science
• Assists in oversight of any medical/surgical resident training programs involving animals (as directed by the University Veterinarian)
• Works to develop appropriate laboratory animal curricula for undergraduate and post-graduate students in laboratory animal medicine
• Assists through mentoring students in laboratory animal medicine
• Provides leadership in creating effective relations with Animal Resources Centre staff
• Participates in organizations concerned with the care and use of laboratory/research animals

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Must possess a degree in veterinary medicine (DVM or equivalent) and solid experience in veterinary medicine and surgery in a wide range of animal species
• Must possess or immediately obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine and surgery in Alberta
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership skills, teamwork skills, and time management skills are absolutely essential
• Post-graduate training or experience in laboratory animal medicine, surgery and laboratory animal science is required
• Experience or advanced training in rodent genomics, phenomics, or metabolomics is desirable
• Post-graduate training at the MSc level (PhD preferred) in a related discipline such as anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, epidemiology, immunology, host-pathogen interactions, molecular biology, mycology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, research methodology, surgery, theriogenology, virology, etc. is required
• Board Certification or eligibility for, and commitment to achieve, ACLAM Certification is desirable
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in animal-based research is required

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until May 1, 2023 or until the position has been filled. Interested individuals should apply by providing a letter outlining pertinent qualifications, personal attribute and pertinent experience, Curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. Management and Professional Staff (MaPS) Positions are currently under review as part of the Alberta Labour Relations Board exclusion review process. Visit the HR website for more information.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada's leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation's most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada's top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.