Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor – Diagnostic Serology/Virology (NTT)

Job Description

The University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is seeking a qualified candidate for a diagnostic serology position. This full-time faculty appointment will be hired at the level of either Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor (Non-Tenure Track). Academic rank will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and career aspirations. The VMDL is a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The VMDL is also a Level 1 lab in the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and a Tier 1 lab in the FDA Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN). In addition to providing timely, relevant, and cost-effective diagnostic services, the VMDL supports a strong learning environment for students and trainees and fosters excellence in teaching and research.

The Serology section offers 65 plus immunological tests for the diagnosis and surveillance of diseases. Annually, the section handles approximately 6,000 accessions and performs over 55,000 diagnostic tests to detect antigens or antibodies in specimens as evidence of bacterial, viral, fungal, prion, and protozoal infections in companion animals, horses, livestock, poultry, and wildlife.

The successful candidate will serve as Serology section leader, teach diagnostic Serology/Immunology to veterinary students and residents, conduct independent and collaborative research, and serve on university committees.

Title: Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor, FTE: 1.0

Term of Appointment: 12 months

Tenure Status: NTT (Clinical Track)

Type: Ranked

Home Department: Veterinary Pathobiology/Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Responsibilities:

1) Teaching: 0.10 FTE. Responsibilities include teaching diagnostic Serology portion of the Veterinary Pathology and Special Species Medicine course to veterinary students who rotate through the VMDL as part of their clinical training (4-5 lectures per rotation, 8 rotations per year), training Clinical Microbiology residents, and participating in clinical and diagnostic rounds and journal clubs.

2) Service: 0.70 FTE (split between diagnostic service 0.60 FTE and university 0.10 FTE).

Diagnostic Service: The major commitment of this position is providing comprehensive diagnostic services to University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, non-MU veterinary clinics, agricultural industry, government agencies, livestock owners, and companion animal owners. The Serology section offers 65 plus immunological tests for the diagnosis and surveillance of diseases. Annually, the section handles approximately 6,000 accessions and performs over 55,000 diagnostic tests to detect antigens or antibodies in specimens as evidence of bacterial, viral, fungal, prion, and protozoal infections in companion animals, horses, livestock, poultry, and wildlife.  The faculty in this position is expected to serve as Section Leader. Responsibilities include managing Serology section operations, ensuring accurate and timely testing of specimens, maintaining a stringent quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program to meet the requirements of AAVLD accreditation, NAHLN certification, and NPIP certification. Specific tasks include supervising three to four full-time staff members and 15-20 seasonal workers from mid-November to January each year, directing the section QA/QC activities, ensuring the successful completion of proficiency tests required for regulatory testing of various diseases, performing  high complex diagnostic tests, reviewing test results, coordinating and finalizing cases involving the serology section,  answering clients’ questions, collaborating with state agencies, and engaging producers. 

University Service: The faculty in this position is expected to serve on University, College, Departmental Committees and represent the University with pertinent professional organizations. 

4)  Research: 0.2 FTE. Conducting independent research aimed at enhancing laboratory diagnostic programs and technologies and/or collaborative biomedical research aimed at improving animal health and public health.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidate must hold a DVM or equivalent degree or a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., microbiology, immunology, and/or public health).

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Preference will be given to candidates with three or more years of experience in an AAVLD-accredited laboratory.
•  Candidates should possess strong communication skills and passion for diagnostic service.
• Candidates for an associate clinical professor appointment should have a record of excellence in diagnostic serology/virology teaching, service, and a documented record of scholarship.

Application Materials

Interested individuals should submit a letter of intent stating career goals and current expertise, a curriculum vitae, and the names, mailing addresses, and contact information for three references.

Application materials and CV must be submitted online at https://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job 

Please contact Dr. Kei Kuroki, search committee chair, with any questions.

Email: kurokik@missouri.edu

Phone: (573) 882-6811

Application Deadline

Screening and review of applications shall begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year.  If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Assistant, Associate, or full Clinical Professor (NTT)

Hiring Department

The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) 

Job Description

The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (VMDL) is seeking a highly qualified avian pathologist/poultry veterinarian to fulfill the tripartite mission of a land grant institution, which includes teaching, service, and research. The VMDL is a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) authorized lab, a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) level 1 lab, and a Food and Drug Administration – Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (FDA Vet-LIRN) Tier 1 lab. The VMDL is the only full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians in the state of Missouri. Because Poultry is one of Missouri’s top commodities, expertise in poultry disease diagnostics has been recognized as one of the top needs of the state.

The avian pathologist is expected to provide high quality diagnostic services to poultry producers and regulatory agencies, teach avian pathology to veterinary students who rotate through the VMDL as part of the clinical training, actively engage Missouri poultry industry, producers, and Missouri Department of Agriculture for disease prevention, diagnostics, and control/eradication, and conduct collaborative or independent research aimed at improving animal and public health.

Thus, this position is expected to actively engage Missouri poultry industry, producers, and Missouri Department of Agriculture for disease prevention, diagnostics, and control/eradication.

In addition to service and teaching, this position is encouraged to conduct collaborative or independent research aimed at improving animal and public health. 

This full-time faculty appointment will be hired at the level of either Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. Academic rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Department of Veterinary Pathobiology will be the academic home of this position.

Title: Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor, FTE: 1.0

Term of Appointment: 12 months

Tenure Status: Clinical Track

Type: Ranked

Home Department: Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Responsibilities:

• Diagnostic Service, Engagement and Outreach: 0.3 to 0.4 FTE. The major commitment of this position is to provide comprehensive diagnostic services to poultry producers, pet bird owners, zoos, and government agencies. Responsibilities include coordinating avian diagnostic cases, performing avian necropsies, supervising avian serology operations, delivering accurate and client-friendly diagnostic reports. Another critical responsibility of this position is to engage key constituency groups, including practicing the poultry industry, producers, and veterinarians.
• Teaching: 0.4 to 0.5 FTE. Teaching is fully integrated with diagnostic service. The primary responsibility is to teach avian diagnostic pathology to veterinary students who rotate through the VMDL as part of the clinical training. There are eight 6-week long rotations per year. During each rotation, the avian pathologist delivers approximately 6 lectures on avian diseases and provides hands-on training to students (7-10) on disease diagnosis, including interviewing clients, performing necropsies, requesting appropriate laboratory tests, interpreting test results, and drafting diagnostic reports. Additional teaching and mentoring opportunities are available.
• Academic Service: 0.1 to 0.2 FTE. Responsibilities include but are not limited to serving on university, college, and departmental committees and task forces, serving as a faculty advisor for student organizations, serving on relevant professional organizations’ committees, reviewing journal articles and grant applications. 
• Research: Up to 0.2 FTE. Responsibilities include conducting collaborative research on avian diseases or pathogens, such as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). 

FTE distribution can be adjusted based on the candidate’s career goal and the VMDL’s needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidate must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent. Having a license or eligible to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in Missouri. An MS or PhD degree or having an established scholarly record is preferred.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

Preference will be given to candidates with relevant field experience and diplomats of American College of Poultry Veterinarians. A commitment to the three-fold academic missions of service, teaching and research. Candidates for an associate or full professor appointment should have appropriate experiences, a record of excellence in avian pathology and a documented record of scholarship.

Application Materials

Interested individuals should submit a letter of intent stating career goals and current expertise, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references.

Application materials and CV must be submitted online at https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings 

Please contact Dr. Dae Young Kim, search committee chair, with any questions.

Email: kimdy@missouri.edu

Phone: (573) 882-6811

Application Deadline

Screening and review of applications shall begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for university benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.