Swine Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a hands-on Study Director with strong surgical experience in large animal models to lead and execute in vivo preclinical studies from initiation through final reporting.

This role is ideal for a Study Director who is not only experienced in study management, but also actively involved in surgical procedures and technical execution. The successful candidate will serve as the single point of responsibility for study conduct while contributing directly to large animal surgical models, intraoperative procedures, and post-operative assessments.

This is not a purely administrative role—this position requires regular hands-on participation in surgical studies and close collaboration with veterinary and technical teams.

Serve as the Study Director with full responsibility for study design, execution, and reporting

Take ownership of studies upon contract award and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery

Develop and refine protocols involving surgical models and large animal procedures

Ensure technical conduct of studies aligns with protocols, including surgical and perioperative components

Surgical & Technical Responsibilities (Core Focus)

Perform and/or oversee surgical procedures in large animal models (e.g., swine, canine, ovine)

Participate directly in pre-operative preparation, anesthesia coordination, intraoperative support, and post-operative care

Provide technical guidance on model development, surgical techniques, and procedural optimization

Ensure proper documentation of surgical procedures and outcomes

Troubleshoot intraoperative or model-related challenges

Lead study kick-off meetings and align surgical and in vivo teams

Coordinate with veterinarians, technicians, and research staff

Delegate responsibilities while maintaining oversight of surgical and study execution

Mentor staff on surgical techniques and best practices (as applicable)

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients

Communicate study progress, surgical outcomes, and key milestones

Provide technical insight on surgical models and study design

Escalate risks or critical issues to leadership

Review surgical and study data for accuracy and completeness

Support data analysis and interpretation

Prepare and finalize comprehensive GLP study reports

Ensure compliance with GLP (21 CFR Part 58), IACUC, and internal SOPs

Document deviations, surgical complications, and corrective actions

Support QA audits and regulatory inspections

Coordinate internal teams, veterinary staff, and external partners

Oversee vendors or specialized surgical support as needed

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Veterinary Science, or related field (DVM or PhD is a plus)

6–9 years of in vivo research experience, including:

Significant hands-on experience with large animal models

Direct involvement in surgical procedures

1–3 years in a Study Director or study lead role

Strong understanding of GLP regulations (21 CFR Part 58)

Proven ability to manage studies while contributing technically

Experience with anesthesia coordination, surgical workflows, or perioperative care

Strong organizational and communication skills

Experience with swine, canine, or ovine surgical models

Background in device, cardiovascular, orthopedic, or translational surgical studies

DVM or surgical training highly desirable

CRO experience with client-facing responsibilities

Experience mentoring or training technical staff

Hands-on Study Director who is comfortable in the surgical suite—not just managing from the office

Strong technical expertise in large animal surgery and model execution

Detail-oriented with a focus on quality, compliance, and reproducibility

Ability to balance study leadership with active technical contribution

Strong judgment in dynamic, procedure-driven environments

Opportunity to work on complex, surgery-driven preclinical models

Collaborative, technically strong team environment

Direct impact on translational and device-focused research