Director, Veterinary Services

Franklin Biolabs emerges from the esteemed legacy of Dr. Jim Wilson's laboratory, a beacon of innovation in vector technology for over three decades. Building on this rich heritage, Franklin Biolabs is poised to redefine the landscape of the global genetic medicines industry. As a Contract Research Organization (CRO), Franklin Biolabs offers a comprehensive suite of services spanning from discovery through clinical manufacturing. Our goal is to empower our partners by providing unparalleled solutions that drive the advancement of genetic medicines. Leveraging decades of expertise and a commitment to excellence, we bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and ensuring that transformative therapies reach those who need them most.

Franklin Biolabs, Inc. is in search of a Director, Veterinary Services who is committed to the highest standards of animal care and will manage all Franklin Biolabs animal care and use program. The Director will work collaboratively across Franklin Biolabs and with clients to ensure that all animal-related research activities are fully supported in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. The Senior Director for Veterinary Services will oversee: 

• Health Monitoring Across Species 
• Clinical Care and Support 
• Space Planning to ensure biosecurity and study preparedness
• Training 
• Management of Electronic Data Management System 
• Biosecurity 
• Animal Vendor Souring and Audits
• Research Study Preparedness

The Director, Veterinary Services will work in close harmony with the Senior Director, In Vivo Services along with Franklin Biolabs' Study Directors and Project Managers to ensure appropriate animal care and welfare. The Director, In Vivo Operations will ensure regulatory compliance involving animals used within Franklin Biolabs and provide guidance in the development and implementation of training programs and professional development for In Vivo staff to enable the highest standard of animal care and use. Duties include: 

• Manages all clinical care and health monitoring activities conducted and/or supported by In Vivo Operations staff.
• Collaborates with study directors and if necessary, clients to ensure seamless execution of in-life studies.
• Works closely with the Senior Director of Research Services in the delivery of veterinary care programs involving all vertebrate animals housed in the Franklin Biolabs vivarium.
• Ensures regulatory compliance, including but not limited to adherence to, OLAW, AAALAC, USDA, OSHA, DEA, FDA, and GLP requirements or guidelines.
• Develops and modify, as needed, training programs for In Vivo Operations and Services animal care and research staff.
• Leads a team of employees; ensuring their professional development and fostering a collaborative work culture.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a DVM/VMD degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school. Veterinary Medical License in at least one state.
• Prefer 7 years of direct experience working in the lab animal medicine field as a veterinarian.
• 3-5 years’ experience in direct supervision of personnel: veterinarians, veterinary technicians, etc.

Certifications or Licenses

• Board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine or equivalent international certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and agencies (USDA, OLAW, FDA, AAALAC). 
• Knowledge of animal care and use and regulatory expectations.
• Experience with a wide variety of common laboratory animal species.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate through conflicting situations.  
• Self-directed individual with the ability to perform in a fast-paced environment with limited direction, competing priorities under tight deadlines. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to interact with team members, clients, vendors and other third parties.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals across various disciplines to ensure alignment.
• Ability to use digital communication tools (video conferencing, chat platforms etc.) to effectively collaborate with team members in hybrid and remote settings.

Travel

• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally no more than 20% of the time, depending on the needs of the project, the client and the company. 
• Ability to accommodate evening, overnight or weekend travel, including potential extended trips to attend training, meetings, conduct fieldwork, or meet with clients.

On-Site

• This position requires full-time on-site presence at our Discovery Labs location in King of Prussia PA.

Immunizations and Screenings

• This position will require working with animals (e.g. Non-Human Primates, Rabbits, Rats, Mice).
• This position requires access to lab spaces. 
• This position will require access to lab animal spaces. 
• This position requires, active Measles titer, annual TB testing.

Essential Status

• Essential for Closure: This position may be required to go on-site during company closures to sustain the life and care of animals/biological materials. Examples of company closures include snow days, special shutdowns, etc.

Vision

• Ability to distinguish between different colors (normal color vision).
• Ability to see clearly at various distances.
• Adequate near vision for reading documents or lab equipment.
• Ability to focus and maintain concentration in tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to work in environments with varying light conditions.

Company Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time-Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Personal Floating Holidays
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D insurance (Group & Voluntary)