Description
Research Veterinarian (DPF) – Houston, TX
Who We Are
We build on the strength of our research and development expertise and a distinctive, entrepreneurial culture that encourages diversity, innovation, creativity, sustainability, and, simply, fun. Since inception, our mission has been to find a cure for pulmonary arterial hypertension and other life-threatening diseases. Toward this goal we have successfully gained FDA approval for five medicines, we are always conducting new clinical trials, and we are working to create an unlimited supply of manufactured organs for transplantation.
We are the first publicly-traded biotech or pharmaceutical company to take the form of a public benefit corporation (PBC). Our public benefit purpose is to provide a brighter future for patients through (a) the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies; and (b) technologies that expand the availability of transplantable organs. At the same time, we seek to provide our shareholders with superior financial performance and our communities with earth-sensitive energy utilization.
Our company was founded by an entrepreneur whose daughter was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. She sought to find treatment options and a cure for her daughter and patients like her. We are founder-led, and relentless in our pursuit of “medicines for life”. We continue to research and develop treatments for cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and other orphan diseases.
Who You Are
Are you a veterinarian with experience working with large animals? Do you want to be of a collaborative team working in xenotransplantation? United Therapeutics is searching for a passionate and dedicated Senior Research Veterinarian to join our team at a new location in Texas.
The Senior Research Veterinarian will oversee the care, treatment and disposition of pigs in a designated pathogen free (DPF) barrier facility. This role plays a critical part in the performance of all veterinary procedures (surgeries, health surveillance, breeding, and necropsies) for the xenotransplantation program. The Senior Research Veterinarian will work independently and with Veterinary and Animal Technicians to coordinate the care of pigs, manage medical records, develop comprehensive herd and health plans, develop procedures and expectations for the care of pigs, develop comprehensive disease testing regimens to meet SOPs and clinical needs, lead training with personnel, author SOPs, lead USDA/AAALAC visits, analyze records of infectious disease testing, develop response plans for introduction of novel infectious disease agents to the barrier, and develop risk mitigation and recovery plans on a case by case basis.
- Oversee the collection and dissemination of diagnostic specimens for infectious diseases monitoring and use the results to provide real time evaluation of infectious disease control measures. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of animals for medical conditions, overseeing the comprehensive health management of pigs, and prescribing appropriate medication to ensure optimal animal welfare. Remain abreast of all relevant scientific literature.
- Contribute to the strategic planning and review of health assessments for animals entering the transplant stream, and approve completed health assessment documents as the Senior Research Veterinarian. Hold primary responsibility for the curation and approval of all medical records, weight data and preventive health measures.
- Perform routine and emergency surgeries as needed
- Lead the planning and directing for the initiation and nurturing of barrier pigs, guiding their development from birth to maturity and transplant. Also, responsible for the planning and collection of diagnostic samples from animals collected in the Arts Way modular. Develop, execute and interpret the infectious disease testing plan for barrier animals: use the data collected to support the ante-mortem examination.
- Develop on-the-job training for veterinary technicians and train veterinary and animal techs on animal care and veterinary procedures
- Maintain animal treatment records, ensuring accurate documentation of all veterinary interventions and animal health data. Lead the primary interpretation of all animal records.
- Humanely euthanize animals when necessary, with subsequent necropsy: use pathology reports to adjust barrier practices and strategies for optimum health of animals
- Support clinical operation activities, playing a crucial role in the planning and procurement of organs for transplant. Provide surgical monitoring and care to clinical cases: troubleshoot outcomes and adverse events to identify potential solutions, interventions or changes to procedures and protocols that may be indicated.
- Oversee the execution of IACUC protocols to ensure that ethical standards are met. Lead areas of investigation in relation to regulatory findings for IACUC, USDA, and/or FDA regarding animal care.
- Authorize changes to IACUC protocols in real time to improve animal welfare as in conjunction with the IACUC Chair and formal amendment of the protocol
- Serve as subject matter expert in the selection of animals for clinical trials through health appraisal, weight management and health management and the production of documentation including health assessment, COA’s, and COC's
- Author SOPs, Deviations, CAPAs and other compliance documentation
- Serve as subject matter expert for USDA, AAALAC, and FDA inspections regarding all animal care processes
Minimum Requirements
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- 8+ years of related experience working in the veterinary field
- 5+ years of experience providing large animal veterinary care with preference toward porcine
- 5+ years of experience following IACUC, USDA, and controlled substances
- 5+ years of experience performing diagnostic tests and general surgery, overseeing health surveillance of an animal population, administering medications, performing necropsies
- Licensed Medical Veterinarian Texas License to Practice Veterinary Medicine, USDA Level II Accreditation, Eligible for DEA License (or able to be licensed in Texas)
- Valid & Active Driver's License
- Proficient in surgical skills and able to perform abdominal and general surgery including Caesarian Section
- Direct programs that include principles of evidence-based medicine to a research herd with unique needs and requirements
- Advanced expertise to author or edit SOPs
- Understanding of US FDA CFR for Xenotransplantation products for human use
- Apply principles of evidence-based medicine to a swine herd with unique needs and requirements
- Possess critical thinking and problem solving ability to provide novel solutions to medical problems
- Demonstrates understanding of GxP compliance
- Demonstrates the ability to lead extreme complex programs that affects the success of outcomes
- Must not have interaction with pigs outside of the company
- Ability to coach and train team members
- Physical requirements
- Lift 75lbs to waist level
- Push/Pull 200lbs with assistance
Job Location & Travel
This position will initially be remote/hybrid while the site is under construction, but will eventually be a fully onsite role at the Houston, TX location. This position will require travel around 25% in the first year, and have a longer term travel expectation of up to 10%.
At United Therapeutics, you’ll realize quickly that it is not an ordinary place to work! When you join our company, you will learn, grow, contribute, have fun, and be challenged... all while making a difference in the lives of our patients.
