Director and Attending Veterinarian

The Director and Attending Veterinarian (AV) is a key leader in the University of Notre Dame’s animal care and use program. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Research, the Director/AV provides strategic oversight and direction for the Freimann Life Science Center (FLSC) - the University’s centralized animal care facility. This position is responsible for ensuring the animal care and use program upholds the highest standards of ethical, regulatory, and scientific excellence. Core responsibilities include management of all facility operations, supervision of animal care staff, and oversight of the budget.

The Freimann Life Science Center (FLSC) encompasses two animal facilities designed to house a variety of vertebrate species, including fish, rabbits, and rodents. As a core facility within Notre Dame Research and an approved core of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), the FLSC supports a wide range of research programs.

This role partners closely with the Research Compliance Office, Notre Dame Research, and the broader research community to maintain a compliant and supportive environment for animal-based research—promoting a culture of collaboration, compassion, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a central representative of the University’s animal care and use program during faculty recruitment.
• Communicate FLSC resources, capabilities, and staff expertise to prospective faculty members.
• Promote a collaborative and service-oriented culture within the animal research community.
• Ensure institutional compliance with all relevant laws, policies, and guidelines, including the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), Public Health Service (PHS) Policy, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and AAALAC International standards.
• Serve as a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), providing expert veterinary input and consultation on all aspects of animal research protocols.
• Advise institutional leadership on regulatory and accreditation matters related to animal welfare and research compliance.
• Lead and manage the FLSC’s veterinary care and animal husbandry programs, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards and institutional policies.
• Oversee program operations, including budget management, staffing (including RVTs and AALAS certified husbandry techs), facility planning, and strategic forecasting for equipment and infrastructure improvements.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels and ensure personnel are adequately trained and credentialed.
• Develop and implement emergency veterinary care and disaster response plans (e.g., disease outbreaks, natural disasters).
• Provide backup veterinary care and consultation to partner organizations supporting Notre Dame’s animal program.
• Direct and oversee routine and emergency veterinary care, including preventive medicine, anesthesia, analgesia, surgery, and euthanasia.
• Conduct regular facility assessments to ensure housing and environmental conditions meet or exceed current welfare standards.
• Stay abreast of industry advancements and implement continuous program improvements and staff training initiatives.
   

Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school (required).
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in laboratory animal medicine, preferably in an academic or research institution.
• Proven experience managing a veterinary care or animal research program.
• Valid veterinary license to practice in the relevant jurisdiction (or eligibility to obtain).
• Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or eligibility for certification (required).
• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations and policies governing animal research (AWA, PHS Policy, IACUC regulations, The Guide).
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience supervising professional and technical staff.
• Demonstrated research experience and familiarity with grant writing or protocol development.
• Exceptional communication and training skills with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, regulatory agencies, and animal care personnel.
• Commitment to the ethical and humane care of animals used in research and teaching.

Please include cover letter, current CV, and three references when applying. 

Additional Information

For more information on Freimann Life Science Center, please visit:  https://freimann.nd.edu/

At Notre Dame, we know our impact depends on exceptional people, people like you. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. In keeping with our mission, we encourage applications from all who will help build and strengthen our beloved community. We strive to empower every employee to flourish, knowing your success propels Notre Dame to new heights of impact.