New Mexico State University invites you to apply to be a part of a diverse, dynamic and welcoming learning and working environment in Las Cruces, NM. NMSU seeks employees who are creative and flexible in developing and evaluating new ideas and ways to evolve NMSU into the future. Located in the borderlands and adjacent to the mighty Rio Grande, NMSU is a proud Hispanic-serving institution in the minority-majority state of New Mexico. Southern New Mexico features an average of 294 days of sunshine annually, making NMSU ideal for job-seekers who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and bird-watching. NMSU is committed to sustainability through improving and maintaining the quality of human life while preserving the integrity, stability, and beauty of ecological systems for the future. We are looking for student-centered employees with a passion for success. NMSU invites you to take the first step to your successful and rewarding career by applying today.

NMSU is New Mexico’s land-grant and space-grant institution, a comprehensive research institution dedicated to teaching, research, public service and outreach. In addition, the NMSU system includes a satellite learning center in Albuquerque, Cooperative Extension Service offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, and 12 agriculture research and science centers. New Mexico State University is the institution of choice for more than 15,000 students from 49 states and 89 foreign countries.

The City of Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico and is located in Doña Ana County, approximately 45 miles north of El Paso, Texas, and 225 miles south of Albuquerque. Las Cruces is the economic and geographic center of the Mesilla Valley, the agricultural region on the floodplain of the Rio Grande which extends from Hatch to the west side of El Paso, Texas. The Organ Mountains, 10 miles to the east, are dominant in the city’s landscape, along with the Doña Ana Mountains, Robledo Mountains, and Picacho Peak. Las Cruces lies within a short driving distance of the Mexican border at Santa Teresa, as well as many other locations in the broader borderland region.

Geography, climate, demographics, and ambiance of Las Cruces and NMSU combine to offer a truly excellent place to thrive. Family members will discover a warm, open community that offers an attractive array of activities and outdoor recreation, amenities, services and opportunities, whether they are looking for top-notch education, meaningful employment, or simply a safe and comfortable place to live.

Duties for this position will be shared between three veterinary pathologists via a three week rotation; one biopsy week, one necropsy week and one case interpretation/finalization week. The biopsy week consists of reviewing histopathology slides made from tissue submitted by clients. The pathologist will be expected to review the slides, determine if any further diagnostic tests are required, provide an interpretation of the slides’ content and deliver such to the client in an official written report. It is expected that biopsies will be completed within 48 hours. The necropsy week will consist of performing all necropsies presented to VDS during the week, determine what further testing may be required and relate such to the client. The necropsy pathologist will interpret all histology slides derived from the necropsy and will be the case coordinator for the case and is responsible for ensuring that an official final report is presented to the client in as timely a manner as possible. The interpretation/finalization week will be used to finalize pending reports and to assist others in the lab who may need assistance in interpreting results or need advice on complex cases.

This position will also require actively participating in the lab quality management system which will include, but not limited to writing and reviewing standard operating procedures and promoting the QMS to others in the lab.

This position is also expected to be engaged in providing continuing education to veterinarians, producers, clients, and students using multiple educational modalities. Relationships are to be established with regulatory agencies, especially the New Mexico Livestock Board, New Mexico Game and Fish, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

It is also expected that this position will maintain currency in veterinary diagnostic pathology.
Provide leadership within the lab. Other duties as assigned.

Performs as a veterinary diagnostic pathologist in a full-service veterinary laboratory environment. Provides technical/professional leadership consultation and expertise within the program’s area of focus as well as day-to-day case management operations. Takes on and handles special projects as requested by laboratory director and assistant laboratory director. Conducts outreach programs to veterinary associations, producer groups, and other appropriate parties as requested and needed.

Shares necropsy, surgical biopsy, and cytology duties with other pathologists. Provides written reports with diagnosis and interpretation. Discusses cases with submitting veterinarians; and helps interpret serology, toxicology, clinical pathology, bacteriology, virology, and molecular diagnostics results. Assists in conducting of “wet lab” continuing education programs as requested and needed. Participates and assists in conducting the bi-weekly histopathology seminar. Prepares and submits cases for Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP).Assists with research projects requiring a pathology component as requested and agreed upon. Oversees the supervision of personnel which includes: work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Provides information on animal disease problems to other state and federal agencies. Complies with government policies, programs, regulations, and accrediting organizations or authority. Provides the laboratory director current and accurate information relative to activities affecting agriculture as requested. Maintain effective liaison with state and federal animal regulatory agencies, in addition to producer groups and veterinary associations within New Mexico and nationally. Performs other related duties as requested and assigned by the laboratory director.

Knowledge of: university and department policies and procedures; well-grounded in contemporary veterinary literature; veterinary medicine and pathology/physiology, immunology, veterinary oncology; basic veterinary toxicology and microbiology; diseases of companion, wildlife, and exotic species; livestock diseases and management principles of various food animal producers; agricultural and livestock sector in New Mexico and the United States; local, state, and federal laws, and regulations; regulated industries; medical/legal cases; specialized knowledge of state government; Good Laboratory Practices; quality management system; development of standard operating procedures; World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) and American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) recommendations and procedures.

Skill in: short and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; good case management (analysis, assembly, and resolution of case material for effective closure)

Ability to: direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; communicate effectively in written and verbal form; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct several activities; analyze and evaluate information; multi-task as needed with case management and other projects; advanced computer skills.

Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine

None

Must have passed first phase of ACVP board exam.

Complete board exam within 5 years of employment.

Board Certification.

After hours and weekend work will involve participation in a rotating on call schedule. Limited travel will be required.

Completion of a veterinary pathology residency.

7:30am-4:30pm

The electronic application is the official document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.