Director of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Services

The University of Tennessee invites applications for a full-time faculty appointment as Director of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Services in the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences (BDS) at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) in Knoxville, Tennessee. This position is offered as a full-time, clinical- or tenure-track position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, depending upon the applicant’s qualifications.

The UTCVM’s diagnostic laboratory services provide broad expertise in anatomic pathology services (diagnostic biopsy and necropsy), bacteriology / mycology, clinical pathology, endocrinology, parasitology, pharmacology, and virology / immunology. Diagnostic laboratory services are supported by 20 faculty, 31 staff, and 6 residents. Collectively, the laboratories accession just over 61,000 samples annually (56% originate from within UTCVM and 44% from outside the UTCVM). In addition to supporting companion and farm animal health, the diagnostic laboratories also support the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and east Tennessee agricultural producers. While the primary mission is diagnostic, research support is provided to UTCVM clinical departments and other entities on and off campus. Ongoing laboratory initiatives include ISO 17025 accreditation for selected units and tests, expansion of poultry testing services, and pending implementation of a new laboratory information system. Future goals include, but are not limited to, implementing centralized laboratory sample receiving, developing a comparative pathology service to support research, and working towards further accreditation and becoming a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) partner.

The Director will hold a significant administrative appointment (anticipated 70% effort). Administrative duties include supervising, facilitating, and promoting diagnostic laboratory operations at a high level, including budgetary development and oversight, monitoring caseload data, and performing cost analyses; securing resources; maintaining infrastructure; performing stakeholder outreach; regular strategic planning; and change management. The Director will be expected to work closely with individual laboratory units, the UTCVM Dean, Associate Deans, Department Heads, Hospital Director, Referral Services Director, Business Office, Facilities Manager, UTIA Advancement, and Media Relations to supervise, set policy for, strategically plan for, and promote the diagnostic laboratory services. The Director will be a member of the Dean’s Leadership Counsel and Veterinary Medical Center Hospital Board. In addition, the Director will represent the diagnostic laboratory services in interactions with TDA, TWRA, USDA, and other state and national veterinary and agricultural entities. Additionally, the Director will be expected to provide diagnostic service in one of the laboratory units (exact effort allocations and service duties to depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications and interests) or contribute to the college’s teaching mission.

Qualified applicants must have : (1) excellent interpersonal and communication skills, (2) excellent leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to work with and mentor others in a collegial team atmosphere, (3) excellent administrative and management skills (4) a DVM degree (or equivalent) and / or PhD in a relevant scientific field, (5) at least 5 years’ experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory setting, and (6) at least 3 years’ supervisory or directing experience. Qualified applicants must also be committed to promoting a “culture of quality”, as demonstrated by knowledge of laboratory quality management and prior engagement with laboratory quality procedures and initiatives. Board-certification in a veterinary laboratory or related discipline and entrepreneurial skills are preferred, as are demonstrated achievements in research, teaching, diagnostic service, and / or outreach. The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking applicants who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the university.

Tenured or tenure-track faculty will have achieved and maintained a recognized record in disciplinary research / scholarship, have achieved and maintained a record of institutional and professional service, and show evidence that they work well with colleagues and students.

Clinical track faculty will have achieved and maintained a record of diagnostic service in their area of expertise, while providing instruction to staff, students and house officers. Clinical track faculty also participate in scholarly activities commensurate with their appointment.

Regardless of the track, appointment at the rank of Professor will be considered based on having achieved and maintained a nationally recognized record of disciplinary service and scholarship.