What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Veterinarian position at Duke?
Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Associate Veterinarian, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team supporting world‑class animal care, research, and education within one of the nation's premier academic institutions.
Be Bold.
As an Associate Veterinarian, you’ll apply advanced clinical expertise to support the health and welfare of our non‑human primate colonies, contribute to high‑impact research, and help shape the next generation of veterinary professionals.
What You’ll Do:
- Implement preventive medicine programs, including quarantine, exams, diagnostics, vaccinations, dental care, and nutrition planning.
- Diagnose and treat illness and injury in collection animals.
- Conduct pre‑shipment and quarantine entrance exams.
- Perform gross necropsies, sample collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Provide emergency weekend and holiday coverage.
- Collaborate with veterinary and medical specialists.
- Maintain accurate and compliant medical records.
- Support research through sample collection, data submission, and protocol collaboration.
- Consult with curators and animal care staff on welfare, nutrition, breeding, and husbandry.
- Contribute to research on husbandry, welfare, conservation, and behavior.
- Mentor visiting veterinary students, technicians, and interns.
- Support compliance with AZA, AAZV, USDA, OSHA, AAALAC, and other regulatory standards.
- Serve on Duke’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal animal care and controlled substance regulations.
- Stay current on continuing education requirements.
- Interact occasionally with guests, donors, and media.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Choose Duke.
At Duke, your expertise supports a mission dedicated to research excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of animal care. You will join a community that values professional development, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and meaningful contributions to science and education.
Required Qualifications:
- DVM, VMD, or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Eligibility for North Carolina veterinary licensure within 3 months of hire.
- USDA Category II accreditation.
- Valid NC driver’s license.
- ACZM board‑certified or board‑eligible preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum five years of veterinary experience preferred. (zoo/exotic experience preferred; internships/residencies included).
Skills & Physical Requirements:
- Advanced clinical and surgical veterinary skills for exotic species.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Ability to stand, sit, walk long distances, lift 50 lbs, and perform physical tasks.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after‑hours schedules.
- Ability to interpret complex documents and respond professionally to sensitive inquiries.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help us strengthen Duke’s commitment to exceptional animal care, research advancement, and global impact.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.