Exploring Careers in Laboratory Animal Medicine

Laboratory Animal Veterinarian (Variety of Levels)

Exploring Careers in Laboratory Animal Medicine

Overview

Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM) offers veterinarians a unique opportunity to apply clinical expertise in a setting that directly contributes to scientific discovery, human and animal health, and the advancement of medicine.

We are actively connecting with veterinarians interested in transitioning into or advancing within laboratory animal medicine across a variety of environments, including academic institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and specialized research facilities.

This is a general inquiry posting designed to start a conversation and explore potential alignment across a wide range of roles—from hands-on clinical positions to leadership and director-level opportunities. Most have flexibility in work life balance, regular hours, and a pathway in roles of increasing responsibility

The Opportunity

Veterinarians in laboratory animal medicine play a critical role in ensuring animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and scientific integrity. Depending on experience and career goals, opportunities may include:

• Clinical Veterinarian / Staff Veterinarian
• Senior / Principal Veterinarian
• Attending Veterinarian
• Associate Director / Director of Veterinary Services
• Director of Comparative Medicine / Laboratory Animal Medicine

These roles span a diverse mix of species (rodents, non-human primates, large animals, and specialty models) and research areas (drug development, medical devices, translational research, and more).

Key Responsibilities

While responsibilities vary by level and organization, core functions typically include:

Clinical Care & Animal Welfare

• Provide preventative, medical, and surgical care for laboratory animals
• Perform clinical exams, diagnostics, anesthesia, and post-operative care
• Oversee colony health programs and disease surveillance
• Ensure humane care standards across all species

(For example, attending veterinarians often oversee clinical care across all studies and colonies, including surgical oversight and diagnostics.)

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, AAALAC, and institutional guidelines
• Support and/or serve on IACUC or equivalent ethical review committees
• Develop and maintain SOPs and institutional policies
• Monitor and address animal welfare concerns

Research Support & Collaboration

• Partner with scientists to support study design and execution
• Provide expertise in animal models, biology, and translational relevance
• Contribute to or lead preclinical studies (sometimes as Study Director or collaborator)
• Train research and technical staff on procedures and best practices

Leadership & Program Development (Senior Roles)

• Lead veterinary teams and oversee staffing, scheduling, and development
• Manage vivarium operations and animal care programs
• Drive continuous improvement in animal welfare and research quality
• Interface with executive leadership, regulatory bodies, and external partners

Who This Is For

We welcome conversations with veterinarians from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• Companion animal (small animal GP, ER, specialty)
• Large animal / food animal / equine
• Zoo and exotic animal medicine
• Mixed animal practice

Veterinarians are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage animal health across species, making their skills highly transferable into laboratory settings.

Whether you are:

• Early in your career and curious about non-clinical pathways
• Looking for improved work-life balance
• Interested in research, drug development, or translational science
• Seeking leadership or strategic roles in veterinary medicine

…there is likely a pathway within laboratory animal medicine that aligns with your goals.

Preferred Qualifications (Flexible Based on Role)

• DVM/VMD (or equivalent) with eligibility for licensure
• Strong clinical foundation in medicine and/or surgery
• Interest in animal welfare, research, and collaborative environments
• Experience with multiple species (preferred but not required)

Why Consider Laboratory Animal Medicine?

• Direct impact on human and animal health advancements
• Diverse career paths: clinical, research, regulatory, leadership
• Exposure to cutting-edge science and technology
• Structured environments with strong support teams
• Opportunities for specialization and professional growth

Let’s Start a Conversation

This is not a single job—it’s an entry point into a broader discussion about your interests, experience, and long-term goals.

At RPM ReSearch, we work across the full spectrum of laboratory animal medicine roles—from clinical veterinarians to executive leadership—helping veterinarians find positions where they can thrive and make an impact.

If you’re even remotely curious about what a career in laboratory animal medicine could look like for you, we’d welcome the opportunity to connect.

Whether you’re actively exploring or just starting to ask questions, we can help you understand the landscape, the transition, and the opportunities available.