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

Exemplar Genetics LLC

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