Virginia Tech hiring Regional Veterinary Scientist in Blacksburg, Virginia, United States | LinkedIn (2024)

Job DescriptionThe Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in combination with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and National Agro- and Biodefense Facility Partnership to Improve Early Detection of Emerging Diseases (https://tinyurl.com/vitals-nbaf) has an open 12-month faculty position for a period of 4 years. Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services has been selected as one of 5 partners and will host an embedded regional scientist. The regional scientist will be expected to be involved in 4 key areas in the Partnership, with the help of the ViTALS laboratory Director and Associate Director:

• Development and implementation of regional risk assessment, in coordination with NBAF and NAHLN leadership. The assessments will evaluate species priorities within the region, forecast emerging disease threats and produce matrices to assist with risk mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate current diagnostic assay capabilities and develop novel tests, systems, and procedures to recognize emerging animal disease threats earlier with the help of host laboratory subject matter experts.
• Develop response preparedness with gap and needs analysis, preparation of supply stockpiles to respond in emergencies and participate in realistic evaluations through periodic exercises with guidance from the NAHLN Program Office.
• Communicate and collaborate with other NAHLN members to ensure program products can be applied to the greatest extent possible.

This is an exciting opportunity with the potential to play a key role in a national emerging disease program. Responsibilities at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine can be tailored to suit the candidate’s areas of expertise and interest in the area of infectious disease diagnostics. Virginia Tech and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine have a strong program of veterinary infectious disease research, and the diagnostic laboratory is AAVLD accredited and a member of the NAHLN. For more information about the college, please visit http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/; for departmental information including other areas of expertise please visit http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/org/dbsp/index.asp. For diagnostic laboratory (ViTALS) please visit: https://www.vetmed.vt.edu/lab-services/. For interdepartmental microbiology program, please click http://www.vtmicro.biol.vt.edu. Please also visit the web links of four Virginia Tech life/health sciences-related Institutes, which foster intercollegiate research interactions. These include: (1) Fralin Life Sciences: http://fralinlifesci.vt.edu/; (2) Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC: http://fbri.vtc.vt.edu/; (3) Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science: http://www.ictas.vt.edu/. Opportunities for translational research in collaboration with faculty in the College’s Departments of Large and Small Animal Clinical Sciences, the Carilion School of Medicine and the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine exist as well.

Required QualificationsDVM or equivalent. Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services is an AAVLD accredited lab, and a member of USDA NAHLN and FDA Vet-LIRN, therefore experience with ISO 17025 standards is expected.

Preferred QualificationsAdvanced training with expertise in high throughput sequencing or molecular diagnostics. In addition, experience or interest in epidemiology and risk assessment would be highly desirable. Opportunities to develop collaborative research programs exist both within the college and with other life sciences-oriented departments, colleges, and institutes on campus.

Pay BandFaculty; Salary

Appointment TypeRestricted

Salary InformationCommensurate with Experience

Review Date7/15/2024

Additional InformationThe successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia TechDedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Kevin Lahmers at klahmers@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.