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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE) at the University of Kentucky (UK) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL) located in Lexington, KY. The UKVDL Director will lead the team of faculty and staff of a full-service, American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) accredited, National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) tier 2 laboratory with operations running seven days a week. The laboratory includes the following sections: bacteriology, clinical pathology, diagnostic services, epidemiology, histology, information technology, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, quality assurance/control, pathology, ruminant extension, serology, toxicology and virology. The UKVDL mission is to develop and apply state-of-the-art diagnostic methodology to improve animal health and marketability, to protect the public health and to assist in the preservation of the human-animal bond through the principles of One Health. The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory strives to be the leading veterinary diagnostic service, research and teaching laboratory in the United States through the application of peer-reviewed, validated scientific methodology and quality control systems.

The UKVDL serves as one of the premier veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States, providing timely and accurate services in support of the practicing veterinary profession, livestock agriculture, the signature equine industries, the poultry industry and backyard flock operations, companion animals, wildlife, and zoo animals. The UKVDL was established in 1970 by the State Legislature of Kentucky and is charged with safeguarding the health of animal agriculture in Kentucky via veterinary diagnostic testing and disease identification/confirmation. The UKVDL laboratory is part of the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Investigation Response Network.

 

The Director is responsible for oversight of all laboratory operational activities including: 1) budget development, 2) management and supervision of professional and technical staff, and 3) maintaining compliance of the quality management system program to preserve and ensure AAVLD accreditation. Within the university, the Director works closely with the UK Gluck Equine Research Center, the UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences, the UK Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, and other UK academic units.

Given the agricultural landscape within Kentucky and the surrounding regions, the Director regularly interacts with the Office of the Kentucky State Veterinarian, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge, the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Infectious Disease Branch, the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, and the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Center. The Director maintains close working relationships with industry stakeholders. The Director oversees and consults with an active UKVDL Advisory Committee composed of UK and Kentucky animal health leaders, to aid in financial decision-making and future initiatives. Nationally, the Director works with AAVLD, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, NAHLN, other state diagnostic laboratories, and other state and federal agencies.

The Director oversees a cooperative teaching agreement established to instruct senior veterinary students from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. The Director reports to the Associate Dean for Research in the M-G CAFE. Additional responsibilities include clinical service, team-teaching of courses for veterinary students/interns, serving on graduate student committees, mentoring residents, and the pursuit of both basic and applied research in an area of diagnostic expertise.

This position is located at the Coldstream Research Campus off Newtown Pike (great location and free parking). For additional information on the UKVDL, please click here.

Please include a CV and cover letter when applying for this position. References may be requested during the course of the selection process. Applications will be reviewed starting July 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.