University of Kentucky

DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior

University of Kentucky • $95K — $162K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) required
  • Minimum 3 years of related experience
  • Must obtain Kentucky Veterinary License within 6 months of hire
  • Expertise in laboratory animal medicine and clinical veterinary care
  • Strong understanding of animal welfare regulations and accreditation standards

Responsibilities

  • Provide clinical oversight and veterinary care for research animals
  • Conduct facility rounds to monitor animal health and welfare
  • Mentor veterinarians and veterinary technicians in clinical operations
  • Review research protocols and offer consultation on animal models and surgery
  • Participate in IACUC and other regulatory compliance activities
  • Collaborate with researchers on protocol development and operations
  • Develop and maintain SOPs and training materials for compliance

Benefits

  • Meaningful impact on human and animal health research
  • Leadership opportunity in animal welfare and program development
  • Engagement with cutting-edge biomedical research
  • Collaborative work environment with researchers and veterinarians
  • Hybrid work arrangements available upon approval
  • Access to UK’s exceptional benefits package
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title
DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior

Requisition Number
RE55404

Working Title

Department Name
40832:Laboratory Animal Resources

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
51

Salary Range
$95,826-162,947/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

DVM

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

3 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

Veterinary License KY or obtained within 6 months of hire

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of this position requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; animal handling (including carcasses); risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; exposure to temperature extremes, cuts/punctures, and bloodborne/airborne pathogens. Occasional standing or walking with objects 10-25lbs; intermittently sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time with intermittent repetitive motions (such as typing); occasional exposure to loud noises; and occasional job related travel (
Shift

Primarily Days (Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm), Please be aware that as an exempt position, job duties will occasionally require additional time in the evenings, nights, holidays and/or weekends to accomplish work goals in excess of 40 hours per week. Required to participate in rotational on call including nights, weekends and holidays. May be required to report when the University is closed to provide treatment & support to our research animals.

Job Summary

Support Research Excellence Through Veterinary Leadership and Animal Care Expertise

The University of Kentucky is seeking a DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior to provide advanced veterinary care, regulatory oversight, and program leadership within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR).

This role is critical to supporting the university's research mission by ensuring exceptional animal care, promoting animal welfare, and maintaining compliance with institutional, state, federal, and accreditation standards. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with investigators, veterinary staff, and regulatory partners while helping guide the development of programs that support high-quality biomedical research.

What You'll Do
  • Provide clinical oversight and veterinary care for research animals across DLAR facilities
  • Conduct facility rounds and monitor animal health, welfare, and housing conditions
  • Mentor veterinarians and veterinary technicians while supporting clinical operations
  • Review research protocols and provide consultation on animal models, surgery, anesthesia, analgesia, and humane endpoints
  • Participate in IACUC, biosafety, accreditation, and inspection activities
  • Collaborate with researchers to support protocol development and research operations
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, training materials, and regulatory documentation
  • Contribute to specialized programs including surgical services, breeding programs, quarantine activities, and species-specific veterinary support


What You'll Bring
  • Expertise in laboratory animal medicine and clinical veterinary care
  • Strong knowledge of animal welfare regulations and accreditation standards
  • Experience supporting research programs and collaborating with investigators
  • Leadership, mentoring, and program management skills
  • Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
  • Commitment to regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and high-quality animal care


Minimum Requirements
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • 3+ years of related experience
  • Kentucky Veterinary License or ability to obtain within six months of hire


What’s In It for You
  • Meaningful impact: Support research that advances human and animal health
  • Leadership opportunity: Influence animal welfare, veterinary services, and program development
  • Professional growth: Engage with cutting-edge biomedical research and laboratory animal medicine
  • Collaborative environment: Work alongside researchers, veterinarians, technicians, and university leaders
  • Hybrid flexibility: Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements with approval
  • UK's Exceptional Benefits


Why Now?
The complexity of biomedical research continues to grow, increasing the need for experienced veterinary professionals who can balance scientific advancement with the highest standards of animal care and regulatory compliance. This position offers the opportunity to play a central role in supporting a nationally recognized research enterprise while helping shape programs that impact researchers across the university.

You'll join a team dedicated to responsible research, animal welfare, and scientific excellence, where your expertise will directly contribute to both research success and the continued strength of the university's animal care and use program.

Multiple Positions Available.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Data Bases, Outlook, Cayuse

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

ACLAM Diplomate certification. Experience with laboratory animal species preferred.

Deadline to Apply
10/05/2026

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