Wildlife Forensics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Clinical Instructor
Job Summary:
The mission of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) is to promote animal and human health and the vitality of the State and National agricultural economy through the delivery of high-quality veterinary diagnostics and exemplary customer service.
Pursuant to our mission, the WVDL works closely with an array of entities and has allegiances and obligations that include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections, Division of Animal Health (DATCP); the National Wildlife Health Center (USGS); the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health Services (DHS); the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR): the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH); the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM); the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD); and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA). These alliances provide for cooperation and information transfer as each organization pursues its mission. The WVDL is a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Core Laboratory and therefore is a part of our national defense against livestock disease disasters.
The WVDL has laboratories located in Madison and Barron, Wisconsin. This position will be based in the Madison location. The diagnostic caseload at the WVDL consists primarily of ruminant species (particularly dairy cattle) with significant numbers of poultry and companion animals, as well as occasional free-ranging and captive wildlife species. Biopsy service and forensic necropsies constitute a portion of the diagnostic caseload. The successful candidate will independently perform necropsies, histopathology, coordination and interpretation of ancillary testing, and reporting with a focus on excellent customer service. Working as part of a team of 5 pathologists and 2 clinically oriented food animal veterinarians, the successful candidate will communicate with referring veterinarians, livestock producers, and other clients on such issues as infectious and reportable diseases, additional testing needs, diagnostic planning, and herd/flock management.
This position may include an academic appointment of the Clinical Diagnostic Professorial Track within the Department of Pathobiological Sciences in the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM). The level of appointment (Clinical Diagnostic Assistant or Associate Professor) depends upon education, relevant experience, professional and academic achievements and related factors. Information about this process will be made available to interested candidates.
The title of this position will be determined by the WVDL based on the candidate's qualifications.
Key Job Responsibilities:
For the Clinical Instructor title:
95% Diagnostic pathology: Participate in necropsy and biopsy service, efficiently and effectively providing high-quality results to our clientele. Adherence to quality assurance and safety procedures within the laboratory is required. Reading and
interpreting transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) IHC slides as needed. Participation in other WVDL duties and committee activities, as required.
5% Consultation, teaching, and outreach to animal health professionals, producer groups, clients, and/or students and residents, and cooperative work with state and federal animal health regulators/officials. Participate in university, state, or
national public service activities related to veterinary medicine, laboratory science, animal health, or production enhancement.
For the Clinical Assistant or Associate Professor title:
80% Diagnostic pathology, as described above.
20% Scholarly activity or outreach: Opportunities exist to develop applied research within the laboratory and/or applied/basic research with collaborators at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine or other campus, state, national, and international institutions. Publication in refereed journals and presenting information at national meetings is encouraged. Opportunities exist to participate in the instructional program at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, through didactic or laboratory instruction of veterinary students, residents, and graduate students. Development of educational programs for practicing veterinarians and producers is encouraged. Participation in university, state, or national public service activities related to veterinary medicine, laboratory science, animal health, or production enhancement, as desired.
Department:
Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL)/Pathology and Professional Veterinary Services
Compensation:
Minimum of $115,000 annually (12 month)
Depending on Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Board certification through ACVP, AAAP, or ECVP is required. (ACVP: American College of Veterinary Pathologists; AAAP: American Association of Avian Pathologists; ECVP: European College of Veterinary Pathologists)
The candidate must possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and a demonstrated ability to work with colleagues, technical staff, and clients in a positive, engaging, collegial, and professional manner.
Preferred Qualifications:
Significant experience and demonstrated interest, aptitude, and capability in mammalian and avian diagnostic pathology and disease investigation. Experience and interest in bovine pathology is desirable. Knowledge and experience coordinating and interpreting ancillary testing, such as molecular testing, bacteriology, virology, toxicology, etc., is essential.
Education:
How to Apply:
To begin the application process for this position, please click, "Apply Now". To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm on April 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
To be considered for this position applicants should provide: 1) a cover letter describing relevant experience; qualifications, and career goals; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a list of three professional references who can provide recommendation letters later in the selection process.
Contact Information:
WVDL Human Resources
wvdlhr@wvdl.wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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