What we do?

Virscio is a specialty translational research organization developing and providing innovative in vivo disease modeling, histopathology, and molecular preclinical research and development services to meet the translational, and regulatory research needs of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry. We specialize in the fields of ophthalmology, central nervous system, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immunology related disease and disorders, and have advanced discovery and development programs for a wide network of sponsors, collaborators, and partners around the world, ranging from large pharmaceutical companies and venture-backed biotechnology companies to academic teams seeking to apply the most cutting-edge research and development strategies in the most efficient and robust manner.

What will you do?

The Attending Veterinarian is responsible for defining and achieving animal program goals and objectives that are aligned to the organizational vision and development.  Responsibilities include definition of organizational and operational strategy for veterinary and animal care functions, ensuring alignment to defined research and development, preclinical research services, and breeding program goals. 

 

The Attending Veterinary leads critical aspects of operations, including but not limited to employee training and training curriculum development for the animal care and research staff in collaboration with the veterinary team, and supervision for veterinary procedures, animal exams, and advises appropriate treatments, clinical tests, and procedures, including those involved in experimental disease modeling.  The Attending Veterinarian additionally oversees establishment of appropriate screening and phenotyping and/or genotyping that would enhance clinical and research programs; contributes to facility research initiatives regarding veterinary, vivarium management and test system biology considerations; and oversees administrative and staff delegations to maintain required animal program standards to meet OLAW, AAALAC and other applicable guidelines.  The Attending Veterinarian’s expertise in applicable best veterinary practices and familiarity with related clinical fields is critical for both effective animal care and preclinical research. The Attending Veterinarian serves on the facility Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and directly manages Facility Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Animal Care Supervisors and Technicians who may be delegated specific animal care, technical, administrative, and clinical responsibilities.

 

Reports To
Chief Executive Officer 

 

Location

Onsite St. Kitts 

 

Unique Working Hours Considerations

Effectiveness and continuity of communication will require response to emails, texts, or calls outside regular work hours and/or on weekends under certain time sensitive or emergency situations. Professional development and/or client engagement may also require participation in onsite or offsite formal or informal meetings outside normal work hours and/or on weekends. Maintaining animal care occasionally requires attention to events and actions outside of regular work hours.

Essential Supervisory Responsibilities

 

1. Supervises Veterinarians.
2. Supervises the Facility Veterinarian’s oversight of the Veterinary Technicians.
3. Supervises Animal Care Department.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Leadership: Define and execute organizational and operational strategy aligned to company growth plan, including oversight of proper veterinary and animal care staffing and work schedules to support veterinary and animal care objectives.
2. Training & Operational Compliance:  Providing and/or oversee training and enforcement of policies, procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work expectations.
3. Clinical Care: Provide and coordinate technical oversight of animal care and research staff regarding animal care procedures. Support veterinarians in defining and reviewing qualitative and quantitative clinical exams, surgical procedures, and acquiring and applying the associated new procedural and clinical management skills.
4. Colony Management: Oversee testing facility animal census and housing and improvements to census management practices, aligning to research and animal welfare objectives.
5. Documentation: Oversee the management, access and application of animal exam information, necropsy reports and data in formats that fully and concisely document relevant clinical findings and inform improved clinical management and research.
6. QC/QA: Supervise and apply processes to ensure animal data and outcome reports undergo appropriate quality control and Quality Assurance (QA) review, as appropriate, prior to reporting or external distribution. Contributes to SOP maintenance and response to QA findings.
7. Compliance: Ensure the facility operates in compliance with the US Guide for the Use of Animals in Research, OLAW, and AAALAC standards, and with facility SOPs, and contributing to their maintenance and alignment with guideline changes.  Leads preparation for AAALAC and animal program audits and serves on the facility IACUC, ensuring adherence best practice.
8. Communication: Communicate management actions, policy updates and operationally critical information to Veterinary and Animal Care departments, advising supervisors in their communication to teams.  Liaises with the Department of Agriculture and other community individuals and institutions regarding shared interest in humane, sustainable NHP population management.
9. Third-Party Engagement: Engage with vendors and suppliers to identify veterinary and animal husbandry equipment and supplies required for effective veterinary care and animal husbandry and their improvement.
10. Site Audits and Inspections:  Lead and/or contribute to hosting of 3^rd party site visits in connection to sponsor veterinary program and quality assurance audits, AAALAC inspections, regulatory inspections, and/or vendor site visits.
11. Capability Expansion: Lead specification and implementation of veterinary and animal program development plans and definition of necessary organizational investments with the CEO and CBO and provides consultation where appropriate.

 

Who are we looking for?

• Education level/Certifications/Licensures
  • Requires DVM
  • Requires ACLAM certification, or equivalent
• Experience
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience nonhuman primate veterinary experience in research setting.
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior managerial role.
• Specific competencies
  • Deep familiarity with primate husbandry and research methodologies.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to prioritize and delegate tasks.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and time pressured environment.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic colony management and quality management systems.
• Travel expectations
  • ~5-15% for professional development and cross site planning.

What we offer?

Virscio provides a competitive, flexible, and comprehensive benefits package that can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Our benefits are designed to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families, offering affordable healthcare coverage, retirement savings plan, and a wide range of voluntary benefits for financial protection and peace of mind, among many other perks.

We are committed to fostering an environment where you feel engaged, empowered, and passionate about your work, while promoting collaborative and empathetic interactions with others.

Virscio is bridging the translational gap with critical research to define solutions for significant unmet health challenges. Every day, our community brings their best selves to this shared mission. Join us on our journey and become part of our community.