Clinical and Research Post-Doctoral Associate - Raptor and Wildlife Health

The Raptor Center (TRC) at the University of Minnesota Clinical and Research Post-Doctoral Associate is a unique position that offers a balanced 50/50 split between advanced clinical medicine and high-impact wildlife health research. This role is designed for a DVM (or equivalent) seeking to develop clinical expertise and contribute to research that ranges from the individual to population-based science.

The position will help advance TRC's mission by providing high-quality care to over 1,000 wild raptors admitted annually while simultaneously contributing to a research program in wildlife health. TRC's 50-year longitudinal clinical database offers research opportunities spanning clinical outcomes science, environmental toxicology, epidemiology, and One Health frameworks. The postdoctoral associate will be mentored by TRC faculty and will work collaboratively across the College of Veterinary Medicine and with regional, national, and international wildlife health partners.

Essential Functions

This position supports The Raptor Center's mission of service by efficiently and effectively contributing to the delivery of expert veterinary care to over 1,000 wild raptors admitted annually, as well as privately-owned raptors. This position also contributes to TRC's research mission by performing research tasks as outlined below. This role requires exceptional communication and strong teaching skills to work collaboratively with staff, students, and volunteers. In support of the clinic's teaching mission, the post-doctoral associate will provide hands-on clinical training to house officers and visiting professionals.

Key Responsibilities

50% - Clinical Care

• Triage and Intake: Perform complete admission examinations and triage newly admitted wildlife patients according to TRC's standards of care and institutional ethics.

• Medical and Surgical Management: Provide primary case management for injured and ill wild raptors, including soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, ophthalmic examinations, and physiotherapy.

• Patient Oversight: Develop and adjust treatment plans for hospitalized patients, including medications, therapies, diet, and housing.

• Diagnostics: Obtain and interpret diagnostic tests; obtain research samples and log data accurately in the ZIMS medical record system.

• Anesthesia: Perform general anesthesia and respond appropriately and efficiently to anesthetic emergencies.

• Biosecurity: Follow and adhere to strict biosecurity and quarantine protocols; identify patients with potential infectious diseases and implement appropriate management protocols.

• Captive/Client-Owned Care: Perform wellness and medical concern examinations for captive, client-owned raptors, including educational ambassadors and falconry birds.

• Euthanasia: Provide timely humane euthanasia as needed.

• Mentorship: Mentor veterinary interns and students in clinical techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional ethics, and high-quality patient care.

50% - Research

• Conduct independent and collaborative research projects under the direction and in conjunction with TRC faculty.

• Develop studies focusing on current wildlife health priorities, potentially including but not limited to: clinical outcomes, wildlife epidemiology, environmental toxicology (e.g., PFAS), post-release monitoring, and climate change impacts.

• Design, implement, and evaluate research projects, including laboratory experiments and population-level analysis.

• Contribute to and/or author grant applications to support research work at TRC.

• Collaborate with faculty across the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and partner with regional/national wildlife health organizations.

• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, professional conferences, and technical reports.

• Supervise research-related staff or students as project needs dictate.

Location and Work Environment

• Work is performed on-site at The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.

• This is an in-person, essential-employee role.

Work Schedule

• This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) 12-month appointment

  • Renewable for 3-5 years total, depending on performance and funding.

• Due to the nature of wildlife clinical work, the schedule requires flexibility, including occasional weekends, holidays, and on-call rotation to meet patient care demands and emergency response requirements.

Supervisor

• The Raptor Center's Medical Director.

Required Training

• ZIMS medical record system.

• Occupational health and additional trainings as directed by IACUC protocols

Required Qualifications

• DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.

• Strong foundational experience in avian or wildlife medicine.

• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research, including study design, data collection, and analysis.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a high-volume, dynamic clinical environment.

• Ability to maintain composure in high-stress, emotionally charged environments, including through the euthanasia process.

• License to practice veterinary medicine in Minnesota, or ability to obtain licensure prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of formal postgraduate clinical training (internship/residency).

• Experience in wildlife pathology, epidemiology, or environmental toxicology.

• Demonstrated passion for the One Health approach.

• USDA veterinary accreditation (Category I and/or II)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds; ability to lift awkward, heavy objects from the ground.

• Ability to walk mile.

• Ability and willingness to wear a fitted N95 respirator for significant periods of time.

• Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in a biosecure quarantine space for significant periods of time.

• Ability to physically capture and safely restrain wild raptors, including large eagles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Selection Criteria

• Ability to project a positive attitude towards co-workers, supervisor, volunteers, and the public

• Ability to provide excellent customer service - in person, online and on the telephone.

• Ability to use time efficiently and take initiative to respond to departmental needs.

• Ability to communicate respectfully and clearly in verbal and written communication.

• Ability to work as a team member in a highly dynamic, busy environment.

Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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