Position Function:
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU-CVM) seeks a dynamic and forward-thinking individual to serve as the next Executive Director of the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory System (MVRDLS). The Executive Director is responsible for strategic direction and overall laboratory operations and capabilities of the MVRDLS, which is composed of four full-service laboratories in three locations.
The MVRDLS is home to the Poultry Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (co-located in Pearl, MS), Diagnostic Laboratory Services (Starkville, MS), and the Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (Stoneville, MS). Collectively, the MVRDLS serves poultry, farmed aquaculture, livestock, wildlife, and companion animals. Mississippi is the nation’s leading state in food catfish production and ranks 6th in broiler production. The MVRDLS employs approximately 15 faculty and 40 staff, distributed among the necropsy, pathology (anatomic and clinical), microbiology, virology, serology, and molecular diagnostics sections. MVRDLS is administered through the MSU-CVM.
The position reports to the Dean of the MSU-CVM and is a 100% time annually renewable administrative appointment. The director’s academic home is the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine. Incoming academic rank and tenure are based on credentials. Responsibilities include administration (80%), with the remainder being made up of professional/diagnostic service and teaching and/or research, dependent upon interest and expertise. The Executive Director shall maintain a primary office at the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (MVRDL) in Pearl, MS. To ensure a presence at each laboratory, frequent travel between sites is required.
The MVRDL is the official laboratory of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) and is a Level 1 member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). All four laboratories are fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD).
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
December 2023
Tenure Track Status:
Tenure Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Executive Director serves as chief operating officer of the MVRDLS and assumes responsibility for overall planning, development, and implementation of the strategic plan. They also serve as a member of the CVM leadership team and serve on the CVM Cabinet. The new Executive Director must commit to creating a positive work environment for all laboratory personnel, and recruitment and retention of excellent faculty and staff is a priority for this position.
The Executive Director oversees coordination with AAVLD, National Veterinary Services Labs (NVSL), state agencies (MBAH, Dept of Ag, Dept of Health), the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation & Response Network, and federal agencies. They develop and maintain active relationships with key partners in industry and other stakeholders. They are expected to seek and maintain collaborative service and research opportunities for the MVRDLS. The Executive Director must promote and lead the quality management system, maintain AAVLD accreditation, and maintain cooperative agreements with federal and state agencies.
The Executive Director must provide oversight to ensure efficient and fiscally sound operations. They have overall responsibility to supervise employees, including hiring and discharging staff, evaluation, and managing employee conflict.
Minimum Qualifications:
DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from a recognized college of veterinary medicine and a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in a relevant field is required. Additional requirements include leadership experience, board certification in toxicology, pathology, microbiology, virology, or clinical pathology, the ability to obtain a veterinary license in Mississippi with USDA Category II accreditation, and evidence of engagement in the practice of veterinary clinical diagnostics for at least 10 years, with at least 5 years in a supervisory capacity.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
No
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated experience in staff and financial management is necessary, and applicants are encouraged to provide examples of how they have promoted a positive work environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Experience with program and strategic planning is preferred.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for 3 references. Questions should be directed to Dr. David Smith, associate dean for research and graduate studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University. Dr. Smith’s email address is dsmith@cvm.msstate.edu. His phone number is (662) 325-1344. Review of applications will begin November 1st.
Screening Date:
November 1, 2023
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
