Executive Director and University Veterinarian Full-time NEW

University Veterinarian

The University Veterinarian provides senior strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and clinical authority for the University of Alberta's comprehensive Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP). Reporting to the Vice-President (Research), the incumbent serves as the institutional Attending Veterinarian (AV), holding the ultimate authority and accountability for animal welfare, ethics, and clinical care across all university sites. The position reports administratively to the Associate Vice-President (Research Integrity Support).

The position operates within a complex regulatory and ethical framework, ensuring total institutional compliance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards, the CALAM Standards of Veterinary Care, provincial legislation (including the Alberta Veterinary Profession Act and the Animal Protection Act), and federal regulations (various, administrated by CFIA, Health Canada, and PHAC). The role navigates a high-intensity research environment, balancing the needs of a diverse scientific community with rigorous public accountability and ethical mandates.

The University Veterinarian (EDUV) safeguards the University's research reputation and its continued eligibility for Tri-Council funding by maintaining the highest standards of animal ethics and CCAC “Certificate of Good Animal Practice” standing. By overseeing North Campus Animal Services (NCAS)—a multi-species, multi-million-dollar cost-recovery operation—the incumbent ensures the provision of world-class veterinary services and state-of-the-art facilities, directly enabling the University's mandate as a premier global research institution.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Visionary Direction: Define and execute the strategic vision for the University's Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) to maintain a world-class ethical research environment.
• Institutional Liaison: Act as the primary representative to national and international regulatory bodies (CCAC, NIH/OLAW, ABVMA).
• Policy & Advocacy: Lead the development of institutional animal ethics policies and serve as a senior advisor to University executive leadership (VPR and Deans).

Clinical Authority & Animal Welfare

• Attending Veterinarian: Exercise ultimate clinical authority over all animal activities, with the power to suspend protocols or intervene to ensure humane care.
• Standards of Care: Establish and monitor veterinary standards across all campus, satellite, and field research sites.
• Compliance Oversight: Manage the Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) program to ensure strict adherence to approved research protocols.

Operational & Fiscal Management

• Unit Executive: Provide oversight for North Campus Animal Services (NCAS), managing a multi-million-dollar budget and 100,000 sq. ft. of specialized research space.
• Infrastructure & Design: Consult on the architectural programming and commissioning of new animal facilities and major renovations.
• Crisis Readiness: Develop and maintain disaster recovery and crisis management plans for all animal populations.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Audit Management: Lead the University through CCAC assessments and regulatory inspections, ensuring robust corrective actions for any deficiencies.
• Permit & Substance Control: Oversee institutional compliance for controlled substances (Health Canada), biosafety standards (PHAC), and provincial research permits.
• Global Logistics: Manage animal import/export, quarantine, and health containment protocols under CFIA standards.

Education & National Leadership

• Training & Mentorship: Oversee competency frameworks for faculty and students while mentoring a professional team of Associate Veterinarians and Technologists.
• Community Leadership: Represent the University within the U15 group and contribute to national policy development through committees and professional organizations like CALAM and EARA.

Qualifications

Education and Professional Credentials

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): From an AVMA-accredited institution (or equivalent).
• Licensure: Must be a member in good standing, or immediately eligible for general licensure, with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA).
• Experience: 10–12 years of progressively senior leadership in laboratory animal medicine and facility operations within a CCAC-certified (or equivalent) environment.
• Specialization (Preferred): Diplomate status with ACLAM or ECLAM.
• Advanced Degree (Asset): A Master's or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline is highly valued to support engagement with the university's research community.

Knowledge and Technical Expertise

• Laboratory Animal Science: Mastery of husbandry, clinical care, and biology for a diverse range of species (rodents, livestock, poultry, fish, and wildlife).
• Regulatory Mastery: Comprehensive command of CCAC guidelines, CALAM Standards of Veterinary Care, and the Alberta Animal Protection Act.
• Specialized Clinical Skills: Expert-level knowledge of anesthesia, analgesia, and aseptic surgical principles tailored to a laboratory setting.
• High-Level Containment: Proficiency in managing research within CL2 and CL3 biocontainment environments, including strict PPE and engineering controls.
• Controlled Substances: Deep understanding of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Health Canada) regarding procurement and security.

Strategic and Analytical Leadership

• Strategic Vision: Ability to translate institutional goals into long-term infrastructure and service plans.
• Financial Acumen: Proven skill in managing large cost-recovery operations, including complex rate-setting, capital planning, and budget reconciliation.
• Risk Mitigation: Expertise in identifying and managing institutional risks related to animal welfare, biosafety, and public reputation.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Executive Presence: Ability to serve as a trusted advisor to Senior Administration (VPR, Deans) and navigate complex university governance.
• Collaborative Conflict Resolution: High-level negotiation skills to balance the “Authority to Intervene” with the need to maintain productive partnerships with Principal Investigators.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.

About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority