Job Description
*Location: Coralville, IA *
*Division: Exemplar Genetics *
*Department: Clinical Research *
*Reports to: Exemplar Genetics CEO *
*Status: Full-time/ Exempt *
*Position Description*
Exemplar is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Director of Veterinary Services and Attending Veterinarian to join our executive leadership team. This individual will play a central role in guiding the company’s veterinary program, ensuring exceptional animal care and welfare, directing preclinical research offerings, and providing expert technical and scientific support to our clients.
Exemplar Genetics enables scientific discovery by developing gene-edited miniature pigs that model human diseases. These large-animal models provide highly translational platforms for evaluating new therapeutics, devices, and interventions; helping researchers bridge the gap between preclinical work and human medicine.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Veterinary Services/Attending Veterinarian will oversee veterinary care and husbandry for all minipig disease models at Exemplar Genetics facilities; lead the company’s animal care and welfare program; participate in client-facing scientific discussions; direct preclinical services using our animal models; and ensure full regulatory compliance with USDA, OLAW, FDA, and AAALAC standards. The Director will serve as Attending Veterinarian on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), advising on and reviewing protocols to ensure humane and appropriate animal use.
*Primary Responsibilities*
*Veterinary Leadership & Animal Care*
* Lead the company’s veterinary and animal care program across all facilities.
* Oversee veterinary care and husbandry for a variety of gene-edited minipig models of human disease.
* Develop, update, and implement SOPs, policies, and processes related to veterinary care, animal use, and facility operations.
* Ensure that all animal care practices meet or exceed federal animal welfare regulations, accreditation standards, and company policies.
*Client & Preclinical Study Support*
* Understand the phenotypes and limitations of minipig disease models and participate in client calls to communicate expectations, capabilities, and experimental considerations.
* Propose internal studies or data collection efforts when needed to better characterize models or address client questions.
* Understand client requests and assist project managers in outlining study logistics, feasibility, and cost estimates.
* Provide scientific and technical guidance to clients regarding model selection, study design, and expected outcomes.
* Follow up with clients by preparing and delivering final written study reports and supporting documentation.
*Technical Skills & Procedure Oversight*
* Possess diagnostic, surgical, and catheter-based skills, including:
* Placement and management of indwelling vascular catheters
* Muscle biopsies
* Cardiac and abdominal ultrasound/echocardiography
* Surgical/laparoscopic embryo transfer
* Train animal care and technical staff in routine and intermediate veterinary procedures.
* Evaluate competency of staff performing less advanced procedures and ensure continued development.
* Demonstrate a willingness and drive to learn new procedures required for client studies or model development.
* Coordinate with external consultants or specialists when advanced procedures exceed internal capabilities.
*Regulatory & Compliance Responsibilities*
* Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, including:
* USDA Animal Welfare Act
* NRC Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
* FASS Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching
* NIH/OLAW Public Health Service Policy
* Relevant CFR sections related to genetically engineered and research animals
* Iowa and South Dakota Public Health Law
* Serve as Attending Veterinarian on the IACUC, reviewing protocols, advising investigators, and ensuring humane animal use.
* Devise, perform, and create quarterly health testing regimes, schedules, and reports
*Supervisory Responsibilities*
* Indirect supervision and training of animal care and technical staff
* Direct supervision to Project Manager
*Education and Experience *
* Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college
* Veterinary clinical experience, including experience with pigs in a biomedical or laboratory animal setting
* Eligibility for Iowa and South Dakota veterinary licensure
* Applied knowledge of veterinary medicine as it relates to diagnosing, treating, and phenotypically characterizing minipigs—including human disease models
* ACLAM board certification and completion of a Laboratory Animal Medicine residency preferred but not required
* Strong understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing animal care and use
* Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex documents such as protocols, regulations, and policies
* Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and customer-service skills
* Experience with humane animal care and housing guidelines aligned with USDA, OLAW, and AAALAC expectations
* Experience addressing sensitive issues and communicating responsibly about the use of animals in research
* Strong writing, reporting, and documentation skills
* Previous IACUC experience preferred but not required
*Desired Key Competencies*
* Ability to understand and execute the company’s mission and values
* High ethical standards and trustworthiness
* Adaptability in a rapidly changing environment
* Ability to analyze complex information and reach sound decisions
* Creativity and innovation in problem-solving
* Strong written and oral communication skills
* Excellent organization and technical proficiency (e.g., Outlook, PowerPoint, reporting tools)
* Effective at organizing and implementing group projects
* Awareness of current industry and regulatory developments
* High attention to detail and accuracy
* Self-motivated, achievement-oriented, and energized by excellence
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively
*Physical Requirements*
* Work performed in both animal facilities and office environments
* Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
* Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators
*Work Environment*
* Approximately 50% office work and 50% work within animal facilities
* Biosecure facilities requiring shower-in procedures
* Possible exposure to animal pathogens, chemicals, viruses, and zoonotic organisms
* Potential handling of animal tissue
* Overnight travel between multiple facilities required
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Flexible spending account
* Health insurance
* Health savings account
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Relocation assistance
* Vision insurance
Experience:
* Veterinary clinic: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
* DVM or VMD (Required)
Work Location: In person
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Relocation package, Flexible hours, Night shift,