Senior Research Veterinarian - Houston DPF

Role Summary

Senior Research Veterinarian responsible for the care, treatment, and disposition of pigs in a designated pathogen free (DPF) barrier facility supporting xenotransplantation programs. This role leads veterinary procedures (surgeries, health surveillance, breeding, necropsies), coordinates with veterinary team and technicians, manages medical records, develops herd health plans and disease testing regimens, authors SOPs, leads inspections, analyzes infectious disease data, and develops risk mitigation and recovery plans.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection and dissemination of diagnostic specimens for Infectious Diseases monitoring and use results to evaluate infectious disease control measures; diagnose and treat animals and manage overall pig health; maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific literature.
• Contribute to strategic planning and 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; plan and collect diagnostic samples; develop and interpret infectious disease testing plans for barrier animals to support ante-mortem examinations.
• Develop on-the-job training for veterinary technicians and train staff on animal care and procedures.
• Maintain and interpret animal treatment records and health data; oversee documentation of interventions.
• Humane euthanasia when necessary with subsequent necropsy; use pathology reports to adjust barrier practices for optimal health.
• Support clinical operations, planning and procurement of organs for transplant; provide surgical monitoring and care for clinical cases and troubleshoot adverse events.
• Oversee IACUC protocol execution to ensure ethical standards; lead investigations regarding regulatory findings (IACUC, USDA, FDA) and authorize protocol changes as needed.
• Serve as SME in selection of animals for clinical trials; prepare documentation including health assessments, COAs, and COIs.
• Author SOPs, Deviations, CAPAs, and other compliance documents; serve as SME for USDA, AAALAC, and FDA inspections of animal care processes.

Qualifications

• Required: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Required: 8+ years of related experience in the veterinary field
• Required: 5+ years of experience providing large animal veterinary care, with preference toward porcine
• Required: 5+ years of experience following IACUC, USDA, and controlled substances regulations
• Required: 5+ years of experience performing diagnostic tests, general surgery, health surveillance of an animal population, administering medications, and performing necropsies
• Required: Texas veterinary license to practice, USDA Level II Accreditation, eligible for DEA license (or able to be licensed in Texas)
• Required: Valid and active Driver's License
• Required: Proficient in surgical skills including abdominal and general surgery (Caesarean Section)
• Required: Ability to apply principles of evidence-based medicine to a swine herd with unique needs
• Required: Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving; understanding of GxP compliance
• Required: Ability to lead complex programs and coaches/mentors team members; must not have interaction with pigs outside the company
• Required: Physical capability to perform duties; lift 75 lbs to waist level; push/pull 200 lbs with assistance

Skills

• Executive-level leadership of veterinary programs in a xenotransplantation setting
• Strategic health planning, disease surveillance, and medical record management
• Clinical procedures, surgeries, necropsies, and anesthesia management
• Infectious disease testing planning and interpretation
• SOP development, regulatory compliance, andInspection readiness (IACUC, USDA, FDA)
• Training and mentoring of veterinary staff and technicians
• Health data analysis and documentation management

Education

• DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) as a minimum education requirement

Additional Requirements

• Physical requirements: ability to lift 75 lbs to waist level and push/pull 200 lbs with assistance
• Travel: some travel may be required as part of program operations and regulatory activities