Career Center

The Director is responsible for strategic direction and overall laboratory operations, enhancing strength and vitality of the VDL by developing new collaborations and establishing partnerships between faculty, industry, government and other potential supporters.  In collaboration with College leadership and faculty, the VDL Director will develop the operating plan of the laboratory, including the infrastructure and resources to support the plan.  The Director also is responsible for the continual assessment of the VDL capabilities to compete successfully for diagnostic services, partnerships and business development opportunities. 

The position reports to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and is a 100% time annually renewable administrative appointment; faculty appointment with appropriate rank and tenure is available and based on credentials.  Responsibilities include administration (80%), with the remainder being made up of professional/diagnostic service and teaching and/or research, dependent upon interest and expertise.

Essential Functions:
Serve as chief operating officer of the VDL; Responsible for overall planning, development and implementation of VDL strategic plan.

Consult, coordinate and evaluate laboratory activities with AAVLD, other diagnostic laboratories, National Veterinary Services Labs (NVSL), state agencies (BAH, Dept of Ag, Dept of Health) and appropriate federal agencies; Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies and ensure that accreditation standards are met for AAVLD .

Identify, develop and nurture active relationships with key partners in industry, foundations, government and other stakeholders with the objective of building relationships that support VDL strategic initiatives.

Take responsibility for diagnostic service development, relationship building and new market expansion as appropriate; communicate opportunities effectively with faculty, staff, community, government partners and Dean.

In concert with the Department Chairs, conduct assessments of the research and service environments and identify implications for planning and development of quality research, diagnostic service, and teaching programs.

Develop, implement and provide oversight for VDL systems to ensure efficient and fiscally sound operations and effective communications with stakeholders while maintaining a high standard of service.

Participate in the budget process by assisting in the management of financial resources; ensure appropriate allocation of resources through monitoring revenues and expenditures.

Develop, implement and provide oversight for systems to ensure effective management of human, financial and physical resources.

Supervise employees, including hiring, discharging, assigning work, incentive and reward systems, disciplining and managing grievances.

Essential Qualifications:
DVM, VMD or equivalent degree
Advanced degree in relevant field of study 5 years veterinary diagnostic laboratory or relevant work experience + 5 years directing / supervising experience. Experience could include practice management, regulatory/policy, finance or quality management
Must have excellent oral and written communications skills, as well as team building skills.
Experience in staff and financial management


Preferred Qualifications:

Strong research and/or teaching experience.
Board Certification in a veterinary diagnostic specialty (i.e. ACVP); and/or
PhD in relevant field
Must have experience in program planning, strategic planning, and quality management/quality control.
Eligible for MN licensure

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Selection Criteria:
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, faculty, industry leaders, government officials and other potential supporters
Ability to actively seek out and respond to new service, research and business opportunities
Comprehensive understanding of the science and technology that drives the VDL’s strategic focus
Positive experiences in working in an interdisciplinary team environment; excellent interpersonal skills in both one-on-one and group interactions 
Ability to provide leadership and strategic direction for programs in support of the CVM mission and goals
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and effectively supervise professional employees.
Understanding of  the need for the laboratory to work under an effective quality management system and the ability to champion this effort.

About Univeristy of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

We are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of animals and people, and strengthening Minnesota's economy, by providing high-quality education, conducting leading-edge research, and delivering innovative veterinary services.

Connections working at Univeristy of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine