Associate University Veterinarian

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Associate University Veterinarian (AUV) plays a pivotal professional role in the Animal Care and Use program at the University of Alberta, supporting and providing leadership to ensure research excellence, animal welfare, and institutional compliance within a complex, highly regulated academic environment. The Associate University Veterinarians in the portfolio provide expert veterinary care, consultation, and regulatory oversight to ensure that a comprehensive veterinary care program is in place, which is critical to facilitating the use of animals in research and teaching. The promotion of best practices in the veterinary care and population health of research animals helps the university maintain compliance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards and guidelines, the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM) Standards of Veterinary Care, and federal and provincial regulatory requirements.

The Associate University Veterinarian works closely and collaboratively with the University Veterinarian, other Associate University Veterinarians, animal facility leadership, Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs), the Research Ethics Office (REO) administrative staff, ACUC Chairs, researchers, and other stakeholders to ensure the ethical and responsible use of animals in research, teaching, and testing activities at the University of Alberta.

This position is part of the Veterinary team responsible for ensuring the University’s Animal Care and Use Program meets the regulatory standards across campus. The position works under the direct supervision and authority of, and reports to, the University Veterinarian.

This position is part of a rotation of veterinarians responsible for emergency calls, which may occur during the evening, weekends and/or holidays.

Clinical and Preventive Medicine

• Provide expert veterinary care, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive medicine for a diverse range of research animal species.
• Conduct regular rounds of facilities, perform clinical evaluations,  implement diagnostic testing, and determine and prescribe appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Maintain colony health through the application of preventive medicine, disease surveillance programs, barrier management, pathogen exclusion lists, and biosecurity protocols.
• Develop, implement, and oversee acclimatization, quarantine, import/export, and health monitoring programs for new animal arrivals and unique research models.
• Develop and refine SOPs for animal health and monitoring to guide NCAS staff in providing consistent, high-quality husbandry and welfare for all species under care.

Research Support and Veterinary Consultation

• Advise and support Principal Investigators in the design, development, and refinement of animal models and experimental procedures.
• Provide expert input on animal monitoring plans, humane endpoints, and interventions to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
• Support researchers with technical procedures and refinements, including surgical services, anesthesia management, identification of humane intervention points, treatment, euthanasia, and sample collection.

Teaching, Training, and Educational Outreach

• Assist with the development and delivery of the Institutional Animal User Training Program and workshops for research laboratory and animal care staff.
• Provide formal and informal instruction and competency assessment for surgical techniques, animal handling, biosecurity, and veterinary care to ensure consistent standards.
• Participate in educational outreach to the broader research community, including communications in response to emerging veterinary or disease control issues.

Regulatory Compliance and Program Leadership

• As a required, ex officio member of the University of Alberta Animal Care and Use Committees, the AUV serves as a veterinary reviewer, expert advisor, and animal care advocate during committee activities, including reviews of animal use protocols and related documents, policy discussions, and site visits in accordance with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) requirements.
• Provide expertise to the ACUC to address the 3Rs, animal ethics, health, welfare, husbandry, care and use, including anesthesia and analgesia, creation and suitability of animal models, and establishment of humane intervention points. Assist the ACUC in the evaluation of zoonoses, biohazards, and other health and safety issues.
• Participate as a member of the Veterinarians Committee in activities including the development of recommendations to the UAPWC on strategic planning and institutional animal care program policies, procedures and standards,  and in developing, reviewing, and implementing institutional, animal facility, and protocol-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with Research Ethics Office staff, animal facility staff,  and research personnel.
• Participate in post-approval monitoring program activities, including identifying and assisting collegially with issues that arise, informal correction of minor deficiencies or instances of protocol drift, and responding to more serious problems that require formal reporting.

Veterinary Program Supervision

• Manage veterinary-specific programs within NCAS, which may include controlled and regulated substance inventories, or surgical facility oversight.
• Participate in the oversight and direction of the activities of Registered Veterinary Technologists involved with the Investigator Services for NCAS.
• Serve as veterinary liaison and provide support for internal and external affiliated facilities such as the Surgical Medical Research Institute (SMRI), Containment Level 3 (CL3) Facilities, and Cross Cancer Institute.

• Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
• Licensure: Active licensure with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) as a General Practice Registered Veterinarian, or eligibility to obtain ABVMA licensure.
• Experience: Five years of relevant clinical experience preferred; candidates with less experience will also be considered. Experience should include diagnostic medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and preventative medicine. 
• Specialized Knowledge: A thorough understanding of CCAC Guidelines, CALAM Standards, and relevant provincial/federal legislation (Alberta Animal Protection Act, Health of Animals Act, etc.).
• Desired Qualifications: Prior experience in laboratory animal medicine is strongly preferred. Postgraduate training or ACLAM certification is desirable.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, strong analytical/diagnostic abilities, and a proven collaborative and collegial approach to working with researchers and diverse stakeholders.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This posting may be used to fill up to two positions. 

This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $88,012 to $146,687.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.