Staff Veterinarian

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

 

JOB SUMMARY

 

Provide professional veterinary medical assistance in the clinical care, surgery, and maintenance of research animals at Duke University.

 

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Occupational Health and Safety

 

As a safeguard for the employee and the animals, medical examinations and risk assessments are performed.  Some immunizations or further diagnostics may be required before working with specific animals or animal populations as determined by occupational health medical personnel, including, but not limited to:

 

• TB testing and clearance;
• Hepatitis B (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Rabies (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Tetanus (current vaccination less than 10 years);
• Measles (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Periodic physical examinations including respiratory fit tests);
• Other vaccines or testing as required by EOHW standards.

 

Hazard Exposure

 

The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions. Specifically, employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous noise, dust, chemicals, extreme heat, and animal waste products. The duration of exposure to any of the above is dependent on assigned duties. Some aspects of this position may expose the incumbent to potentially zoonotic and other biohazardous agents. Appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required, accompanied by appropriate training.

 

WORK PERFORMED

 

• Diagnose, treat, and control diseases and injuries among research animals maintained in facilities at Duke University; perform surgery as needed on sick and injured animals and prescribe and administer drugs, medicines, and vaccines as appropriate; includes emergency on-call duty on weekends, holidays and after normal work hours.
• Confer with the principal investigator regarding surgery techniques, anesthetic regimens, techniques, etc.
• Confer with principal investigators and their staff regarding the type and number of research animals needed for their protocols.  Provide instruction or assistance with procedures related to animal care in principal investigators’ protocols.
• Conduct post-mortem examination of animals including the performance of hematology, parasitology, microbiology, and clinical pathology laboratory tests and procedures.
• Prepare grant applications relating to laboratory animal care; advise faculty and research staff regarding U.S.D.A. and N.I.H. guidelines on the care of research animals and facilities.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and operational reports concerning consultations and diagnostic decisions ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Keep abreast of new technological advances in the care and treatment of laboratory animals and provide in-service training and orientation programs to staff and other research personnel.
• Assist in the establishment and implementation of effective quality control systems, and revise techniques and procedures as required to obtain de