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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), Office of Research, Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) is seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Veterinary Medical Officer. Vet-LIRN partners with veterinary diagnostic laboratories to document, investigate, and diagnose animal feed, pet food and animal drug-related illnesses. Network laboratory activities include case investigations of animal illness, test methods standardization, training, proficiency testing and emergency response exercises. Such activities strengthen the overall food safety system by developing increased capacity and capabilities to detect adulteration which could affect animals raised for human consumption or companion animals consuming ingredients used in both animal and human food products. The participant will join the Vet-LIRN team’s network infrastructure activities and investigations of consumer complaint cases. The position will be filled through FDA’s Staff Fellowship program. The appointment is for up to two years with opportunities for renewal and is subject to availability of funds.

The Veterinary Medical Officer’s primary responsibility will be to provide programmatic/administrative oversight on the research grant and review process within Vet-LIRN. This will include developing selection criteria, outlining the purpose and existing data gaps, writing background and funding opportunity descriptions and monitoring the ongoing activities of the grant process. You will also take part in the efforts to combat antibiotic-resistance bacteria (CARB) by providing technical expertise on antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing related to veterinary pathogens and interact with Vet-LIRN funded laboratories to harmonize methods between laboratories and coordinate activities with other agencies involved in CARB. You will also support the other activities of Vet-LIRN to include interviewing consumers regarding their animal food complaint, discussing case histories and next steps for investigating the case with the consumer’s attending veterinarian, receiving inventory and shipping of feed or diagnostic specimens, setting up testing feed or diagnostic samples with Vet-LIRN partner laboratories, photographing microscopic documentation of pathology samples, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, and assisting in the preparation of manuscripts or written summaries of investigations.

Applicants must have experience applying for grants in an area of research/testing related to antimicrobial susceptibility and whole genome sequencing and have a D.V.M./V.M.D degree.
This position is located in Laurel, Maryland and is available immediately. The salary range is from $76,378 to $118,069 based on experience and education. Further information regarding qualification requirements can be found at the following link: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0700/veterinary-medical-science-series-0701/

Open Period: June 23, 2015 – August 21, 2015 **Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis.**

Please submit your letter of interest, resume, and transcripts to: CVMOpportunities@fda.hhs.gov with the subject line of “Vet-LIRN VETERINARY MEDICAL OFFICER”. Questions may also be directed to the CVM Opportunities mailbox.