The University of Minnesota invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of the Research Animal Resources (RAR) on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and Attending Veterinarian for the larger University of Minnesota System. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, strategic, collaborative, and inclusive leader with a track record of successful animal care program management. The University seeks a person with integrity who is committed to the highest standards of academic and research excellence. This is a full time appointment with a faculty rank commensurate with the experience and academic achievement of the selected candidate for the position. This position reports to the Vice President for Research.
Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. As the only Carnegie R1 (Highest Research Activity) institution in Minnesota, the five campus University System comprises 25,000 employees and over 62,000 students. The Twin Cities campus is located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities. Minneapolis-Saint Paul ranked 9th of 125 metropolitan areas in U.S News analysis of best places to live in 2018 (z.umn.edu/tcbest) and caters to all tastes with a lively arts scene, acclaimed eateries, and numerous opportunities for sports and outdoor recreation.
As Minnesota’s land-grant institution, the University is strongly connected to Minnesota’s communities, large and small, partnering with the public to apply its research and teaching for the benefit of the state and its citizens.
The University of Minnesota is a top ten public research university with annual research expenditures systemwide of more than $950 million. The University of Minnesota's animal program is AAALAC accredited. Animal research is conducted within our Health Sciences programs (the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Public Health and the Colleges of Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine), as well as in other programs such as the College of Biological Sciences, College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science & Engineering, and the Hormel Institute.
RAR consists of 150 employees, including seven veterinarians, twelve veterinary technicians, and over a hundred additional administrative and support staff, and manages twenty animal facilities in Minneapolis and St. Paul that are diverse and decentralized, supporting a wide range of species with an average daily rodent cage census of 24,000. The operating budget is approximately $18 million. RAR directly manages most animal care facilities on the Twin Cities Campus and indirectly oversees the management of laboratory animal facilities on other campuses.
RAR has a long-standing tradition of excellence in animal care and its mission is to foster knowledge and improve the health and well-being of humans and animals by advancing research, education and training in comparative medicine and biology. In addition, they serve the public by ensuring observance of all legal and ethical standards pertaining to the use of animals for research and education at the University of Minnesota.
The Attending Veterinarian/Director of RAR provides strategic leadership in the use of animals in research and teaching at the University of Minnesota and is responsible for the well-being and clinical care of animals used in research, testing, teaching, and production. This responsibility extends to monitoring and promoting animal well-being at all times during animal use, and during all phases of the animal's life. This position also plays a key role in maintaining the University's AAALAC accreditation, USDA registration, and NIH Animal Welfare Assurance.
Candidates who are ACLAM diplomates are preferred but those with relevant experience in an RAR leadership role and diplomate status in another relevant veterinary specialty board are encouraged to apply. A veterinary medical degree from an AVMA accredited college or ECVFG certification and veterinary licensure in at least one U.S. state and strong experience in a research environment are required. The strongest candidates will have a vision for the program, strategic planning, and other management skills, and experience commensurate with leading an organization of considerable magnitude and diversity of research subjects. In addition, the successful candidate will have experience managing AAALAC accreditation
NOMINATIONS, APPLICATIONS, & INQUIRIES
Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a vision statement for how to lead the University’s RAR that includes the applicant’s relevant skills and experiences, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and three professional references to be considered for the position. To apply, go to https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/328891
To ensure full consideration, materials should be received as soon as possible. Review of applications and nominations for the position will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 11, 2019.
Nomination letters should include the name, position, email address, and telephone number of the nominee, and should be sent to:
Lisa Warren
Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Minnesota
101 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
All applications, nominations, and inquiries will be handled in strict confidence.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
