Senior Research Veterinarian - Houston DPF

Role Summary

Senior Research Veterinarian to oversee care, treatment and disposition of pigs in a designated pathogen free barrier facility within a xenotransplantation program. Responsible for veterinary procedures (surgeries, health surveillance, breeding, necropsies), management of medical records, development of herd health plans and disease testing regimens, training personnel, authoring SOPs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee collection and dissemination of diagnostic specimens for infectious diseases and evaluate control measures in real time; diagnose and treat medical conditions and manage overall pig health.
• Contribute to health assessments for animals entering the transplant stream; approve health assessment documents; curate and approve medical records, weight data, and preventive health measures.
• Perform routine and emergency surgeries as needed.
• Lead planning and development of barrier pig programs from birth to maturity and transplant; coordinate diagnostic sampling; develop/testing plans for barrier animals.
• Develop on-the-job training for veterinary technicians; train staff on animal care and procedures.
• Maintain and interpret animal treatment records and health data.
• Euthanize animals humanely when necessary and perform necropsies; adjust practices based on pathology.
• Support clinical operations, including planning and procurement of transplant organs; monitor surgeries and manage adverse events.
• Oversee IACUC protocol execution and address regulatory findings; authorize protocol changes as needed.
• Serve as subject matter expert for selecting animals for clinical trials; prepare health assessments, COAs, and COCs; author SOPs, Deviations, CAPAs and compliance docs.
• Represent animal care processes in USDA, AAALAC, and FDA inspections.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• 8+ years of related veterinary experience
• 5+ years of large animal veterinary care, preference toward porcine
• 5+ years experience with IACUC, USDA, and controlled substances
• 5+ years experience in diagnostic testing, general surgery, health surveillance, medication administration, necropsies
• Licensed Texas veterinary license to practice; USDA Level II Accreditation; eligible for DEA license
• Valid and active driver's license
• Proficient in surgical skills including abdominal and general surgery (Caesarean Section)
• Experience leading evidence-based medicine programs in a research herd
• Ability to author/edit SOPs; strong understanding of GxP
• Knowledge of US FDA CFR for xenotransplantation products
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities; capable of leading complex programs
• Ability to coach and train team members
• Physical capability to lift 75 lbs and push/pull 200 lbs with assistance

Skills

• Advanced expertise in SOP development and regulatory compliance
• Strong data management and record-keeping
• Leadership and training capabilities
• Diagnostic testing and surgical proficiency in large animals
• Experience with IACUC/USDA/FDA oversight

Education

• DVM required

Additional Requirements

• Travel: up to 25% in the first year; up to 10% long-term