Clinical Veterinarian (Nonhuman Primates)
Location: Hampton & Yemassee, South Carolina (sites ~5–10 minutes apart)
Organization: Contract Research & Primate Breeding
Why this role is unique
- Hands-on with primates in naturalistic settings. You’ll work outdoors much of the time, caring for healthy, social groups in farm-style colonies—rare in lab animal medicine.
- Variety across two complementary sites.
- Hampton: closed breeding colony (~3,500 NHPs); sole focus is animal health and breeding.
- Yemassee: open colony with CDC quarantine and ~500 animals on study, primarily infectious disease (HIV/SHIV), vaccine, PK/PD, and limited surgical work.
- Team-first culture. Tight-knit veterinary and technical teams where “it takes a village” isn’t just a saying—it’s how work gets done.
- Growth & mentorship. Senior veterinarians on staff, strong training for techs, and room to specialize (e.g., imaging or procedures that can become a site capability).
- Balanced on-call. Weekend/holiday rotation is shared; true emergencies requiring site visits have been rare.
What you’ll do
- Provide preventive, clinical, surgical, and emergency care for rhesus, cynomolgus, and capuchin monkeys.
- Oversee colony health programs, enrichment, and welfare—including physicals, health surveillance, and gross necropsy.
- Mentor and train vet techs in hands-on procedures and clinical reasoning.
- Support contract research studies at Yemassee; partner with client representatives when needed.
- Participate in IACUC protocol review and accreditation preparation.
- Maintain accurate medical records, SOP compliance, and contribute to ongoing program development.
Who we’re looking for
- DVM/VMD (AVMA-accredited) with eligibility for South Carolina licensure (within 60 days) and DEA registration.
- 3–5+ years of lab animal or NHP experience preferred; residents/new grads with strong primate rotations will be considered.
- ACLAM eligibility or diplomate status highly valued.
- A veterinarian who thrives outdoors, adapts well to dynamic situations, and enjoys being part of a close, collaborative team.
- Someone with the heart of a teacher—committed to coaching vet techs and animal care staff.
Living here
Moving to Hampton/Yemassee means access to some of the Lowcountry’s most desirable communities:
- Charleston (1 hr) — historic charm, arts, food, and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Beaufort (30–40 min) — a walkable waterfront town with antebellum architecture and strong schools.
- Bluffton & Hilton Head (45 min) — suburban convenience or resort-style island living, with beaches, golf, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Walterboro (20–30 min) — the most affordable option, offering small-town community and good value.
Cost of living: Slightly below U.S. averages, with more space for your money and family-friendly childcare options.
Schools & healthcare: Served by Beaufort County School District (arts, athletics, and international programs) and anchored by MUSC in Charleston, Beaufort Memorial, and Hilton Head Hospital.
Lifestyle: Kayaking, boating, historic festivals, fresh seafood, and year-round outdoor recreation—from Hilton Head beaches to Charleston’s Spoleto Festival.
Training & career growth
- Structured AALAS certification support (materials, incentives).
- Opportunities to expand clinical specialties (e.g., ultrasound, advanced imaging).
- Ongoing growth and new projects mean genuine pathways to increased responsibility and leadership.
Compensation & benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus potential.
- Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement.
- Paid time off, CE/licensing/dues support.
- Relocation assistance available.
Interested in learning more about the area? Click Here for a Relocation Guide