Position Summary
The Petersen-Jones laboratory is seeking a highly motivated veterinarian with a strong interest in ophthalmology to work as a member of a team of veterinarians and scientists developing and testing translational therapies for restoration of vision.
The laboratory maintains and utilizes various canine and feline colonies of large animal models for visually impairing retinal diseases. There are ongoing NIH funded studies of gene, drug and cell-based therapies that show promise in treating retinal dystrophies and for translation to treat human subjects. The laboratory is very well equipped for in vivo retinal imaging (Heidelberg Spectralis with OCT-A capabilities, RetCam Video Fundus cameras and Micron Fundus camera) and visual functional testing (Espion Electrophysiology Unit, Diagnosys and purpose-built vision testing apparatus) as well as standard ophthalmic examination equipment. Additional equipment includes ophthalmic operating microscopes with video attachments and vitrectomy machines as well as full ophthalmic microsurgery packs allowing a range of intraocular interventions such as subretinal injections and subretinal implantation.
The individual will be actively involved in the management and implementation of several ongoing studies investigating therapies with these models. They will be actively involved in both phenotyping of the ocular conditions and therapeutic interventions for treatment of retinal dystrophies. They may also be asked to assist the campus veterinarians in the general veterinary care of the colony. Analysis and interpretation of the collected data and the writing of reports is required. Some supervision of laboratory students and graduate students may be required and close collegial collaboration with veterinary and laboratory technicians, post-docs and other clinicians/scientists is expected. This position could suit someone aiming for a future ophthalmology residency position, ophthalmic research career or both. The individual will be able to present their work intramurally and also support for travel to present any pertinent research stemming from their work at national or international ophthalmology meetings. Application for intramural grants, and for travel fellowships to scientific meetings will be encouraged and are intended to help the candidate in developing skills in grantsmanship.
While the position is primarily a research position, if desired, there are many opportunities to practice and improve upon skills that are required of ophthalmology residents in training. The individual will have access to microscopes and microsurgical instruments to practice extraocular and ocular surgery and participate in journal club, resident rounds and other vision related seminars. Michigan State University is expected to have 5 veterinary ophthalmologists at the time of position onset (including 4 DACVO, and 1 DECVO, Hon ACVO member. Depending on preference the fellow may be able to spend time with the other ophthalmologists through collaborative research projects and on the clinic.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The mission of the college is to be inclusive as we learn, discover, heal, and protect. We, as a College, aim to identify, attract, and retain talented students, faculty, and staff reflective of the diversity of the populations in our state, the nation, and the world. Our academic, scholarly, and service roles, considered separately and collectively, form the foundation of an inclusive culture that is committed to respecting, nurturing, and advancing all individuals.
CVM Core Value of Diversity
We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunity and multiculturalism where all individuals are valued, respected, provided opportunity to flourish and open doors in their pursuit of excellence. We encourage and welcome our community to share ideas with us surrounding opportunities to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The College's vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service. Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26/goals to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s goals, strategies, and progress.
Michigan State University is located on one of the nation's largest and most beautiful campuses, and the University is home to a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists, teachers, and leaders. East Lansing’s collegiate atmosphere is complimented by low cost of living with convenient access to large cultural centers such as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit and Chicago. East Lansing and surrounding communities provide excellent public-school systems. In addition, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, with its numerous inland lakes and rivers, state and national parks, national lakeshores, world-class golf courses, and ample snowfall offers a broad variety of seasonal outdoor recreational activities. Visit the Pure Michigan© website Pure Michigan | Official Travel & Tourism Website for Michigan for more details.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Other -DVM/VMD or Equivalent.
Minimum Requirements
DVM, VMD or equivalent. The candidate must be eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Michigan, including a Clinical Academic Limited license and Controlled Substance license.
A veterinary degree and a 12-month clinical internship or private practice experience treating animals. Knowledge and interest of veterinary ophthalmology is required.
Desired Qualifications
Prior experience with the treatment of ophthalmic conditions, intraocular surgery, retinal electrophysiology, and advanced retinal imaging would be advantageous. Technical writing skills and a track-record of authoring scientific publications and preparing reports is desired.
Required Application Materials
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Contact for three (3) references
Special Instructions
The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Position is open until filled. For questions, please contact search committee chair Dr. Simon Petersen-Jones, peter315@msu.edu, 517-353-3278.
Review of Applications Begins On
12/02/2024
Summary of Health Risks
- Works with animals and unfixed animal tissue.
Website
https://cvm.msu.edu/scs
Department Statement
We believe veterinarians make the world a better place. The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (SCS) is committed to educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and bringing our skills and knowledge together to provide the best clinical services available.
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences offers graduate programs through the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology program, a residency program, a DVM degree, a veterinary technician program, and specialty continuing education for practicing veterinarians.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
