Assistant / Associate Professor in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine

The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a full-time clinical or tenure track faculty position in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine. Depending on qualifications and experience, the position is at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level.

The successful candidate is expected to engage in the departmental mission by participating in clinical and didactic teaching to veterinary students and house officers; providing clinical service in zoological companion animal medicine with reciprocated coverage in zoological medicine; contributing to the development of a basic science or clinical research program commensurate with effort allocation; and participating in continuing education at local, national, and international levels. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within a team are required.

The position has a major clinical commitment to the Zoological Companion Animal and Wildlife Service, and faculty are responsible for instruction and supervision of veterinary students, interns, and residents. This service provides health care for privately owned zoo companion animals and native wildlife brought by members of the public and wildlife agencies. Faculty also work synergistically with the general zoo medicine service which is the other service within the Zoological Medicine Section and provides care to Zoo Knoxville, Tiger Haven (large felid sanctuary), Appalachian Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies. Teaching responsibilities include lectures and laboratories for DVM students, instruction and mentoring of house officers, and instruction to clinical year veterinary students. The successful candidate will help build a cohesive and positive working environment in the services for students, house officers, technicians, and faculty.

The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center is a modern, fully equipped facility with extensive therapeutic and diagnostic equipment. The Zoological Medicine Section is currently supported by 4 faculty members, 3 house officers and 3 veterinary technicians. Hospital space and equipment are available to diagnose and treat all zoo companion, wildlife, and zoological patients presented to the hospital. The department includes tenured and clinical track faculty in supporting specialty services including anesthesiology, behavior, cardiology, dermatology, emergency/critical care, internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, nutrition, dentistry, medical oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, physical therapy/sports medicine, and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Additionally, there are robust equine and farm animal patient populations and pathologists with strong interests in zoological medicine.

The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine boasts a collegial environment committed to mentoring new faculty to be successful in their academic career. This includes a Master Teaching Program, which provides resources, programs and leadership to support the highest quality of professionalism and instruction within the various educational missions of the college and a Veterinary Social Work program that provides training and support in the areas of communication and conflict management, compassion fatigue, animal-related grief and bereavement, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. New faculty are assigned an experienced faculty mentor, and the Department has an excellent record in helping faculty successfully earn promotion and tenure.

Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee flagship campus and is a beautiful and friendly place to live. It is a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as several dog-friendly state parks and recreation areas. Outdoor recreational opportunities include, but are not limited to, hiking, biking, trail running, climbing, and water sports. Knoxville has a vibrant cultural downtown with excellent restaurants; bustling farmer’s markets; live music of all genres, ballet, and theater; frequent art and cultural festivals; and men’s and women’s sporting events. 

Requirements include a DVM/VMD or equivalent degree and certification or eligibility for certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified individuals are invited to apply. Applications should include a letter of intent with a statement of professional goals, curriculum vitae, and the names of three professional references 

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.