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Purpose:
York University operates two Vivaria on the Keele campus that play a vital role in supporting the institution’s Academic and Strategic Research Plan priorities, particularly in health, medicine and applied science. These facilities accommodate a diverse range of small animals, aquatics and non-humane primate (NHP) species. The University strives to be a leader in animal care and is committed to advancing quality and operational effectiveness through continuous service enhancement and strategic resource optimization. The University Veterinarian collaborates with the Animal Care Committee (ACC) and consults with the University Office of Research Ethics to ensure regulatory compliance in animal care and facility operations. This role reports veterinary and compliance concerns directly to the Office of the Vice-President Research and Innovation (VPRI). The University Veterinarian serves as a professional advisor to facility users and senior administration promoting high standards of animal care and welfare. Responsibilities include establishing and evaluating veterinary practices and procedures, staying current with advancements in the field, advising on veterinary matters, optimizing resources and prioritizing animal facility improvements.
Education:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
Current registration with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
Additional qualifications in Laboratory Animal Medicine, including license to practice.
License required to procure veterinary pharmaceuticals for clinical purposes.
Experience:
7 years related experience practicing clinical medicine.
5 years of management experience.
Experience supporting an animal use program.
Experience working collaboratively with researchers in an animal-based scientific research environment to meet their needs with an understanding of research processes and cycles.
Experience working in a unionized environment.
Skills:
Effective leadership and interpersonal skills. Able to successfully build relationships and foster a positive, inclusive organizational culture within a dynamic and complex environment. Ability to effectively work with and influence senior leadership and management. Strategic planning and negotiation skills with the ability to conceptualize and action initiatives to improve processes and systems. Effective solutions-focused problem-solving skills. Effective research and analytical skills. Ability to use analysis for impact evaluation. Effective communication skills. Ability to interpret and draft complex reports, planning and policy documents and standard operating procedures. Collaboration and consultation skills. Ability to effectively lead and collaborate on and with cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams. Effective project monitoring skills. Able to multi-task, establish priorities, meet tight timelines, and achieve successful outcomes. Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues and difficult situations in a tactful and diplomatic manner. Ability to conduct environmental scans to position the university to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Effective change management skills. Proficient with Microsoft 365 including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Additional Notes:
Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credential(s) or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview. BSB and Farquarhson Vivariums - the duties of this job require working in two separate research facilities, each with unique needs and challenges.The Director must wear PPE at all times when entering housing, surgical or lab rooms (level of PPE varies by facility and animal species). The facility does not have windows and air handling is controlled to meet animal's needs (varying temperature and humidity). Exposure to noise from equipment, e.g. autoclaves (frequent). Animal bites/scratches (occasional). Exposure to animal fluids and biohazards (e.g. waste - continuous). The possibility of exposure to infectious disease (occasional).Works in an environment where there is frequent change, e.g. a lot of process/procedural changes. Responds to emergency situations where there is a lot of pressure to find a solution quickly. Responds to very adversarial/emotionally charged confrontations that are directed towards the manager as a result of the role in representing the interests of the Vivarium.
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*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
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PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.