What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Pathologist position at Texas A&M AgriLife?
Job Title
Veterinary Pathologist
Agency
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Department
College Station - Histopathology
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Job Description Summary
The Veterinary Pathologist, under general direction, conducts necropsy and histopathology examinations, prepares written reports and communicates with clients. The pathologist participates in weekend and holiday necropsy rotations with other pathologists. The pathologist mentors and trains pathology residents and veterinary students and consult with other diagnosticians. The pathologist assists technical staff in identifying tissue and providing directions for trimming.
Responsibilities
Sample Prep, Sample Cataloging Testing: Conducts necropsy and histopathology examinations of mammals, reptiles and amphibians and, depending on interest and need, avian and poultry tissues and carcasses to determine cause of disease. May be requested to act as backup for reptile and amphibian cases. May be asked to participate in the racehorse catastrophic breakdown program which consists of dissecting, identifying, describing and documenting lesions from horses with musculoskeletal failure at the race track. Depending on the need, may need to participate with evaluating chronic wasting disease (CWD) and Scrapie immunohistochemistry.
Data Entry, Interpretation, Results: Enters results from necropsy and biopsy cases in the Laboratory Information System (LIMS). Responsible for entering the results of CWD and or Scrapie immunohistochemistry results in the LIMS. Coordinates multiple assigned cases when a pathology discipline is one of the assignments. Coordination of cases may consist of communication with the various sections of the laboratory, necropsy staff, diagnosticians, referral laboratories and clients to assure that requested testing is accurately completed and in a timeline manner. Responsible for the accuracy and timeliness, in accordance to the TVMDL established/published turnaround time, of the completed report prior to delivery to the client.
Client Communication: Responsible for responding in a timely fashion to client calls about cases. Responsible for obtaining or clarifying client information when carcasses or tissue samples are delivered to or dropped off at the laboratory for processing in the necropsy and/or histopathology sections. Other pathologists and diagnosticians are available to secure information if the pathologist on duty is otherwise preoccupied when samples are being delivered to the laboratory.
Quality Assurance & Safety: Responsible for training on and adhering to the guidelines outlined in the most current Quality and Safety documents and procedures at TVMDL.
SOPs, Procedures, Forms, Other Documentation: Responsible for ensuring they are up to date on training to the most current SOPs.
Training & Mentorship: Mentors and trains pathology residents and veterinary students as needed. Pathologists will mentor newly hired pathologists.
Teamwork & Cooperation: Serves as part of a team of pathologists at TVMDL. As such, the pathologist is encouraged to be collegial and seek help as necessary for difficult cases. Shares information as necessary for difficult cases.
Other: Performs work with adherence to federal, state, Texas A&M University System, and TVMDL safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Performs work in such a way as to not expose others or self to hazards that are avoidable by reasonable and approved methods.
Additional Position Details
- This position is required to work onsite during normal business hours M-F 8 AM to 5 PM but is eligible for a partially remote work arrangement for up to 16 hours per week after 6 months of service.
- This position may be required to work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.
- TVMDL is located on the campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU). Parking permits are available from TAMU at the expense of the employee.
- TVMDL is considered an essential component of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) and remains operational for several “open holidays” during which overtime or compensatory time may be earned.
- This position requires a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series; TVMDL will cover all costs.
- All veterinarians employed at TVMDL are required to obtain either a full license or a special license from theTexas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME).
- TVMDL employees are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program administered by the US Department of Education.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two years of related experience in diagnostic pathology.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Knowledge of animal diseases.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to present information clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
Required Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:
- Eligible to become a member of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- PhD, completion of a formal anatomic pathology residency.
- Two or more years of diagnostic pathology, including food production, companion, and exotics. Experience being in a diagnostic laboratory.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Good understanding of current literature and ancillary testing options.
- Use of LIMS, use of computer software for examination of digitally scanned images, interpretation of immunocytochemically stained slides, use of microscope and basic computer programs.
- Ability to accurately describe lesions in gross specimens and microscopic slides or images with minimal supervision in an effort to arrive at a diagnosis.
- Ability to clearly communicate with laboratory personnel, including technical, clerical and professional staff, and clients in order to provide clear results and/or recommend additional testing.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
