Description
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND EPIDEMIOLOGY
SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
POSITION AVAILABLE: Associate/Full Professor of Wildlife Health
SALARY: The current base pay range is $202,200 - $338,300. “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay (i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step) are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications and experience.
QUALIFICATIONS: Veterinarian with expertise (knowledge and experience) in free-ranging wildlife population health and conservation. Advanced degree (MS and/or PhD) preferred. Board certification in the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) or American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) preferred. Demonstrated aptitude and experience in leading national and international wildlife health non-governmental organizations and programs, including fiscal management and strategic planning, required. Highest consideration will be given to applicants with an established programmatic management and research focus in wildlife health. The individual must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have a demonstrated ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere. Teaching and mentoring experience in both didactic and field settings is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Administration: An essential component of this faculty position is serving as the Director of the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC), providing general oversight, and supervision of Directors of multiple programs and projects, including but not limited to the Sea Doc Society, Gorilla Doctors, Oiled Wildlife Care Network, and the California Carnivore project. The Directorship represents an approximate 25% time commitment and is a renewable five-year appointment. Roles and responsibilities for the WHC Director are available at: https://ucdavis.app.box.com/s/x66hhehew0idsvh9wcdwrxov7irbmifc.
Teaching: Expectations and responsibilities include: 1) leadership for and participation in delivery of lectures and laboratories in the DVM professional curriculum with a focus on free-ranging wildlife health and conservation; 2) leadership of free-ranging wildlife health externship and residency training programs; and 3) participation in the graduate academic programs (MS; PhD; MPVM).
Research: Expectations and responsibilities include the development of an applied, conservation-oriented research program in the discipline of wildlife health, including publication of results in professional/scientific journals. The individual will provide leadership in directing research projects of veterinary students, residents, and graduate students.
Service: University and public service through committee work, participation in professional organizations, continuing education and other appropriate avenues of engagement is expected.
Professional Competence: Expectations include advancing the discipline of free-ranging wildlife health within the SVM, as well as locally, nationally and internationally, through participation and leadership in the implementation of successful wildlife health and conservation programs. The individual is expected to establish a reputation for excellence in the discipline of wildlife health locally, regionally, and nationally, depending upon level of appointment.
A global leader in veterinary medicine with a mission to advance the health of animals, people, and the environment, the School of Veterinary Medicine has a rich history of educating veterinarians and veterinary scientists, discovering new knowledge through a robust and progressive research enterprise, and setting the standards in animal health care. Faculty are the heart of UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. UC Davis is ranked 9th nationally among public universities and its faculty are internationally renowned for their distinguished academic achievements. The School of Veterinary Medicine is ranked 1st nationally and the VMTH has one of the most diverse, robust caseloads of any academic veterinary health center in the world. The campus is adjacent to the city of Davis (population 70,000), 14 miles west of Sacramento (the capital of California), 45 miles northeast of Napa Valley, 72 miles northeast of San Francisco and 110 miles southwest of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. UC Davis offers a generous benefit package including retirement featuring an optional pension plan, and several work-life programs.
The Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC), a self-supporting SVM Center of Excellence administratively housed within the One Health Institute, is globally recognized for its development and leadership of innovative regional, national and international wildlife and ecosystem health programs and projects, including the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, the SeaDoc Society and Gorilla Doctors. Its annual operating budget averages $7-8M sourced from a combination of grants, contracts and private sector support; its programs and projects employ approximately 2-3 dozen technical and administrative staff at any given time, and key strategic partners for the WHC include state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations.
APPLICATION PROCESS: To receive fullest consideration, applications must be received by February 15, 2026; position open until filled. Interested applicants should submit 1) a letter of intent outlining special interest in the position, overall related qualifications and experience and career goals; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a statement summarizing the applicant’s leadership/management style; 4) a statement summarizing the applicant’s research program or interests; 5) a statement of teaching and capacity-strengthening philosophy; 6) the names and addresses of four professional references; and 7) a signed Authorization to Release Information form. Application materials must be submitted by using the University’s online submission program, https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07440. This recruitment is conducted at the associate/full professor rank.
The University of California, Davis, and the Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, are interested in candidates who are committed to the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities and who are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. UC Davis supports family friendly recruitments: https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/uc-davis-and-family-friendly-recruitment-practices.
