The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Poultry Diagnostician. This position will be an annually renewable faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. The final rank and terms of appointment will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate consistent with Collegiate and University policies.

This faculty member in the VDL will work with the poultry industry and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) to investigate disease, productivity and welfare issues in a wide variety of farm and associated settings (e.g., hatcheries). This position will be responsible for poultry diagnostic cases routinely submitted to the VDL. The successful candidate is expected to develop close relationships with poultry veterinarians and producers using their skills and ongoing training to maintain and improve the health of their flocks. Expected service duties range from assistance with routine disease/health monitoring to in-depth case investigations. The position’s effort allocation will be primarily service, with opportunities for teaching/outreach/research activities. Yearly evaluations will respect the time needed to provide this level of service.

This new faculty member will be involved in teaching and will facilitate and collaborate in research in the broadly defined area of poultry health management in production environments and disseminate information to stakeholders. The candidate will perform activities to encourage and support poultry production and medicine in the veterinary curriculum. Teaching may include participating in the DVM curriculum, in graduate and residency programs, and in educational outreach programs consistent with the expertise and interest of the candidate. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers and veterinarians.

This position may be located at any of the two VDL MN locations: the main location in St. Paul, or the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory (MPTL) in Willmar MN, which is situated in close proximity to poultry production in Minnesota as well as private and UMN poultry research facilities. Being located in Willmar and working from MPTL is the preferred option. If the new faculty member is located in St. Paul, the faculty member is expected to work closely with the team at MPTL, visit the Willmar facility frequently, and support the poultry industry and the MBAH.

The Department of Veterinary Population Medicine is the academic home for this faculty position. The College of Veterinary Medicine is located on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota and has a reputation for excellence in basic and translational research programs.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. The University of Minnesota provides a generous vacation, sick leave, and benefits package.

Starting date will be negotiated with the selected candidate.

Qualified applicants should apply online at https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/358464 (Job ID: 358464) and include a letter of intent, including a diversity statement, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references (with contact information) knowledgeable about the candidate's diagnostic service, research, teaching, and outreach skills.  Applicant’s diversity statement should address what contributions exemplify your awareness and sensitivity toward promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. “What have you learned working with diverse populations?”

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.  

Questions regarding this position may be sent to the search committee administrator Ms. Anna Jones at bystr005@umn.edu. 

The University of Minnesota is an equal-opportunity educator and employer.

Required qualifications include a DVM or equivalent degree with two years of experience in poultry diagnostics. Experience and ability to work with culturally diverse groups of people and excellent communication skills are required.

Preferred qualifications include pathology training and experience (including gross and histopathology). Board certification or eligibility by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or equivalent, and/or the American College of Poultry Veterinarians (ACPV) is preferred. In addition, poultry field investigative experience (e.g. industry, regulatory or academic poultry field experience), and research training (e.g. MS or PhD) and experience are preferred qualifications. Relevant fields of research include, but are not limited to, infectious diseases, pathology, epidemiology, microbiology, immunology, and/or poultry science. Experience in teaching and training others is preferred.