Description
The Animal Care Services in the Office of VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Assistant University Veterinarian for approximately 12 months.
The Assistant University Veterinarian (AUV) reports to the University Veterinarian. The AUV provides adequate veterinary care, assurance of meeting Canadian Council on Animal Care standards in the respective animal facility. The AUV may also be required to provide directional advice and assistance to managerial staff and administration in the respective animal facility. The AUV provides direction and support to Registered Veterinary Technologists, assistance with animal-related matters within their jurisdiction, assistance with animal-related education programs on a campus-wide basis such as the Institutional Animal User Training Program, development of Standard Operating Procedures, participate in Animal Care Committee activities, and support the activities of the University Veterinarian and the University of Calgary Animal Care and Use Program. The AUV provides on-call veterinary services for the animal facility and shared on-call activities with the other Assistant University Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technologists that can involve some weekend and after hours work. In the absence of the University Veterinarian an AUV may be designated to act as the University Veterinarian. In the absence of the Associate University Veterinarian the AUV may be designated to act as the Associate University Veterinarian. The AUV has a strong role in animal use education for both 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. Emergency coverage can lead to the need to work irregular hours.
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.
- Works cooperatively with members of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and may conduct such functions through an adjunct academic appointment in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Such appointments require co-approval and co-renewal by the University Veterinarian.
- Provides leadership in creating effective relations with Animal Resources Centre staff.
- Identifies opportunities and effects innovations in animal research to meet the challenges and needs of the University.
- Ensures the availability of consultation services as required with respect to animal care and use for research.
- Provides for the effective and efficient management of animal care and use information as required in connection with the University's needs and responsibilities as a large research-intensive University and teaching institution.
- Establishes and maintains health standards for laboratory animal colonies through serological monitoring, pathological investigation, and quarantining of incoming animals.
- Regularly communicates policies/issues relating to animal care to faculty, students, and staff through effective interactions with the Animal Care Committee Coordinator.
- Acts as a consultant to Principal Investigators regarding animal use protocols and methodologies.
- May be requested to serve on Animal Care Committees, Sub-Committees, and other University Committees (eg Biosafety Committee, Search & Selection Committees, User groups, etc.).
- Participates in organizations concerned with the care and use of laboratory/research animals.
- Coordinates training for researchers, technicians, and students in the humane care and use of laboratory animals through participation in the Institutional Animal User Training Program with the Training Program Coordinator, contributes to Standard Operating Procedure development with the other university veterinarians and the SOP Coordinator, and facilitates effective communications with the Animal Care Committees, administration, faculty, students, and staff.
- May be requested to act as an advisor and consultant in the planning, design and renovation of University facilities, and in the planning and equipment selection/purchase for new facilities.
- Assists the University Veterinarian by contributing to the overall administrative leadership of the University in considering institutional, strategic, operational, and policy issues, from an animal care and use perspective.
- Toward a positive and productive work and learning environment, ensures that progressive, effective, efficient, and flexible animal care and use policies and processes are in place, consistent with the University's evolving needs.
- Provides leadership, develops staff, and maintains an effective organizational structure to ensure that the AHU and UCARE realizes the vision, goals, and plans and addresses the University's need for animal care services.
- Maintains current information relating to standards of animal care as well as equipment for new and existing facilities to enhance the University's competitive edge and people in this research community.
- Coordinates efforts for regular CCAC inspections of animal facilities with the University Veterinarian and animal facility staff.
- Serve as an approved Health Canada Qualified Person in Charge (QPIC) or Alternate Qualified Person in Charge (AQPIC) for the legal procurement, management, and sales of controlled substances.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Must possess a degree in veterinary medicine (DVM or equivalent) and 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.
- Experience in multiple animal species could be a useful asset.
Application Deadline: July 4, 2025
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.
This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy 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 Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
