Comparative Pathologist (VETERINARIAN 3)

Act as primary pathology case coordinator including but not limited to: post-mortem prosection, gross and histopathologic interpretation, submission and interpretation of ancillary diagnostics, creation of reports for diagnostic and study-related submissions, training and mentorship of necropsy staff and participation in development of standard operating protocols, workflow improvements and service rates. Collaborate with and advise campus veterinary services on animal health surveillance program design, data interpretation and risk analysis. Collaborate with and advise researchers on study design, budget construction, data interpretation, data presentation and grant or manuscript generation. Provide instruction, supervision and constructive evaluation for DVM students, residents and fellows in laboratory animal science, health surveillance and diagnostic and research pathology. Serve as program co-coordinator for the Laboratory Animal Pathology Residency and Comparative Pathology Fellowship and oversee the veterinary medical student externship program. Participate as faculty mentor and lecturer in Laboratory animal pathology rounds (PMI459R), Laboratory animal slide rounds (PMI477R), board preparatory rounds (PMI483R, PMI480R), didactic courses (VET439, PMI202) and clinical rotations (DVM475). Serve as a member of the CPL Internal advisory board to contribute towards service unit strategic planning and goal setting. Sustain positive client relationships and SVM leadership and public perceptions with periodic client updates and audits and social media presence. With direction and input from Director and internal advisory board, engage UC and external scientific and laboratory medicine communities to further establish CPL as the preferred animal research pathology core and diagnostic service unit. This position is eligible for consideration for a without-salary faculty title within the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology in the School of Veterinary Medicine, which would require the additional scholastic and University/Public service efforts expected of a Health Sciences Clinical faculty member.

Apply By Date

November 17, 2025 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Completion of a residency in anatomic pathology and certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• DVM from an AVMA-accredited or equivalent institution.
• At least 3 years experience working in a diagnostic and/or experimental pathology environment and teaching anatomic pathology to veterinary students, residents and/or graduate students.
• Ability to perform and interpret gross necropsy, histopathology and ancillary diagnostics for the detection and diagnosis of disease in animal species used for research and teaching (ex: rodents, rabbits, fish, sheep, dogs, cats, axolotls, frogs, jellyfish, etc).
• Ability to generate and manage accurate pathology reporting with minimal error and timely turnaround
• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English to create and maintain diverse, constructive and productive professional relationships
• Ability to instruct and supervise veterinary medical students, veterinary residents, graduate students and laboratory personnel in comparative pathology, procedures and related methods/concepts on-line and in-person.
• Ability to support scientific research as a study pathologist and to publish and present peer-reviewed scientific material.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced research training (PhD or MS), preferably in comparative pathology or equivalent focus, with experience using animal models
• Knowledge in areas of specific diagnostic and research need, such as health surveillance testing modalities, genetically engineered mouse phenotyping, diseases of humanized mice, immunodeficient mouse models, precision medicine, geropathology, medical device, neuropathology, cardiovascular pathology, ocular pathology, models of host-microbe interface dynamics, and the development of semi-quantitative scoring systems.
• Ability to network with industry and academic partners and to create and deliver outreach materials to increase demand for the diagnostic and research services provided by the CPL.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Pathology Service
• 20% - Teaching and Scholarly Activity

Department Overview

The Comparative Pathology Laboratory is a self-supporting veterinary medical diagnostic laboratory at the University of California, Davis with a $2.4 million annual budget. CPL partners with the UC system and external research community to provide specialized pathology and clinical laboratory services critical for animal-based studies and the health and welfare of the animals in teaching and research. CPL also supports a comprehensive training portfolio including 4 post-graduate veterinary medical specialty training programs.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $111,400/yr. - $229,800/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 26
• UC Job Title: VETERINARIAN 3
• UC Job Code: 000353
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Must be willing to humanely use and care for research and teaching animals. Performance of this job may involve moderate exposure to potential zoonoses. Must be willing to work with or be in areas where biohazardous and infectious diseases are present.
• The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous working habits are essential.
• Must wear laboratory required/supplied PPE and participate in Health Surveillance Program. Must be able to tolerate strong odors and the sight of exposed animal tissues and blood products, and to handle/dispose of infectious materials.
• No eating or drinking allowed in laboratory work area.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-SE