Career Center

The Department of Clinical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University invites applications for a clinical track faculty position in Wildlife Medicine. The full-time position is based at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital (SWH), a satellite hospital of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA). Located approximately 2 miles from the main campus, the SWH provides state-of-the-art medical and surgical care of ill and injured native wildlife, teaches and mentors students and graduate veterinarians, and performs innovative research designed to advance wildlife medicine.

The successful candidate would join a fast-paced and exceptional clinical program. The SWH is an autonomous, well-equipped facility that is further supported by regular consultation and active collaboration with specialists from CUHA. Additionally, comprehensive diagnostic testing services are provided by the Animal Health Diagnostic Center. The candidate will join a team that includes a faculty member (Section Chief) that is board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), three full-time and one part-time licensed veterinary technicians, and a part-time animal care attendant. The SWH admits approximately 2,000 animals annually, and the caseload is typically 70% avian, 25% mammalian, and 5% herpetile. The hospital collaborates with a strong and wide network of licensed wildlife rehabilitators across New York State who complete the rehabilitation aspect of patient care with the mission of release back to the wild.

The SWH plays an integral role in student teaching, providing education and clinical training in wildlife medicine. Additionally, the candidate will be involved in the training and mentorship of zoological medicine interns (2) and residents (2) as they rotate through the SWH, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse NY, and the Companion Exotic Animal Service in CUHA. The SWH also participates heavily in wildlife research, collaborating regularly with researchers within the CVM, and generating internal projects focused on native wildlife health both at the individual animal and population levels.

The SWH is part of a robust Wildlife Health program at Cornell University, and is a member of the Cornell Wildlife Health Center (WHC), a College of Veterinary Medicine Center of Excellence. The WHC unites wildlife experts across the College’s many wildlife health programs, creating abundant opportunities designed to maximize impact and engagement, and train the next generation of conservation leaders. An organization with an unparalleled multisciplinary expertise, the WHC develops holistic, science-based solutions that benefit the health of wildlife, domestic animals, and local communities both locally and globally.

Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a DVM or equivalent degree and have a minimum of 5 years of clinical experience with at least 3 years of experience practicing wildlife medicine. Full consideration will be given to candidates either board certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine, or board-eligible with the intent to become board certified by the ACZM within two years of beginning their appointment. Applicants who have completed or intend to complete the Wildlife discipline of the examination will be preferred. The successful applicant will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with a diverse team of staff, students, and veterinarians. Proven aptitude in and enthusiasm for teaching in both clinical and didactic environments is required. Clinical duties require flexible working hours that will include daytime, evening, and weekend responsibilities. Clinical competence in all aspects of wildlife medicine is required, and expertise in avian orthopedic surgery is essential. Demonstrated accomplishment in research and a desire to continue to perform independent and collaborative research is expected.

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine seeks to lead, enable, and inspire others to attain a healthier world for animals and people. Consistently ranked among the top veterinary schools in the world, the college is a global leader in outstanding multidisciplinary clinical and diagnostic services as well as exemplary animal care. The college continuously produces a stream of scientific breakthroughs while also preparing students, veterinarians, and scientists to assume vital roles in scientific inquiry, local and global health, public policy and clinical, population, and diagnostic veterinary medicine. 

Cornell University is a center for discovery, academic leadership, and service. Commitment to achieving excellence through diversity and inclusion has been Cornell University’s heritage.  We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  We welcome candidates who are equally committed to these values and who will strengthen our climate by fostering diversity and inclusion.  The College of Veterinary Medicine also seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples through Cornell’s Dual Career Program and membership in the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium www.hercjobs.org/upstate_ny.

Cornell is in Ithaca on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. Ithaca is a vibrant city with art museums, theaters, a diverse selection of restaurants, and a very well supported public education system. It is within driving distance of several large metropolitan centers, award-winning wineries, and downhill skiing areas. Ithaca is a nature-lover’s paradise with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Easy campus-to-campus bus transportation allows one to explore or work in NYC while enjoying the “Ithaca is Gorges” lifestyle. 

Salary, rank, and title will be commensurate with academic credentials and experience.

For more information, go to: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/clinical-sciences/employment-opportunities  or contact Dr. Sara Childs-Sanford, Chair of the Search Committee at sec15@cornell.edu.  

Electronic application submission is through Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20890. 

The required sections of the application include: a cover letter including statement of career goals; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy and goals, as appropriate research interests and plans, and contributions to inclusion and diversity; and email addresses for letter requests of 3 referees who will be invited to upload their letters at this site. Please ensure the “email notify writer on submit” box is selected upon submission.  If you have concerns with submitting your references online, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee.

The safety and well-being of applicants and our team members is of the utmost importance. Because of campus closures and the likelihood of ongoing travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we will be conducting virtual interviews with qualified candidates for this position with the intention of scheduling additional in-person meetings as permitted. 

Review of applications will begin on January 17, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by February 17, 2022.

What is a Statement of Contribution to Diversity?

This statement invites applicants to describe their past, present, and/or future efforts at promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in their careers as researchers and educators.  It should convey how they see these continuing at Cornell, and can focus on teaching, research, or service.