Career Center

Maddie’s^® Shelter Medicine Program and the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, invite applications for a full time, tenure or non-tenure track, associate/full professor position as the Janet L. Swanson Director of Maddie’s^® Shelter Medicine Program.

The mission of Maddie’s^® Shelter Medicine Program is to provide veterinary students and practitioners with specialized knowledge of shelter medicine practice and the skills, to improve the medical and behavioral health of companion animals in our community, and to advance the discipline of shelter medicine. Founded in 2010 and largely funded by Maddie’s Fund^®, this unique and ambitious academic program focuses on shelter medicine clinical practice, student and intern instruction, shelter consultation, research in shelter medicine, and animal welfare industry service. Along with two other Maddie’s^® Shelter Medicine Program faculty, one licensed veterinary technician and one assistant support the clinical and teaching needs of the program, including clinical service and emergency coverage for animals in care of the SPCA of Tompkins County, training of veterinary interns, teaching the elective clinical rotation, and leading elective didactic courses in the professional veterinary medicine curriculum.

The primary responsibility of the endowed position of Janet L. Swanson Director of Maddie’s^® Shelter Medicine Program [the director] will be to lead and implement education, research, and outreach activities, in addition to expanding financial support for the program in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Affairs & Development. The director will demonstrate leadership in the discipline of shelter medicine by participating in national shelter and animal welfare associations and serving on department, College, and University committees. The successful candidate will interact and collaborate with faculty, staff, and leaders across multiple units of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dependent on the interest and qualifications of the applicant, the director may negotiate an effort to contribute to the clinical and teaching needs of the program or develop a research program addressing objectives related to shelter medicine or access to care topics. Distribution of effort will be determined in accordance with administrative and program service needs, as well as the candidate’s portfolio, expertise, and academic goals. Relevant areas of research strength within the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences include infectious disease, clinical and gross pathology, epidemiology, and production medicine. Excellent opportunities exist for investigative collaborations within the College of Veterinary Medicine and throughout Cornell University.

This position is advertised at an open rank and track to allow for evaluation of candidates with a wide range of experience and success in administrative leadership, program development, clinical service, teaching or research. Individuals with a DVM (or equivalent) and a minimum of 5 years of veterinary clinical experience (or equivalent) as well as expertise in shelter medicine or relevant small animal fields are encouraged to apply. It will be advantageous for applicants to have a post-graduate degree or board certification/eligibility, experience in shelter medicine practice, preventive medicine, epidemiology, population medicine, or information systems, and teaching experience. Other desirable qualities of the successful candidate include strong leadership and interpersonal skills, public speaking experience, and the ability to work in collaborative research, clinical, and teaching environments. Salary and rank will be commensurate with academic credentials and experience.

Individuals must obtain and maintain a valid NY state driver’s license.

For more information, please contact Dr. Kelly Hume, Search Committee Chair, at krh73@cornell.edu. Prospective candidates should upload their application materials (see below) to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24086 together with the names and email addresses of 3 references who will be invited to upload their letters at a later time.

Application materials include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• 3-4 Statements (maximum one page each)
• Leadership vision
• Teaching philosophy
• Contribution to diversity and inclusion
• Research interests (tenure track applicants)

The search committee will begin considering complete applications on August 21, 2023 and until the position is filled.

What is a Statement of Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion? This statement invites applicants to describe their past, present, and/or future aspirations to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in their careers as researchers and educators, and/or to convey how they see these commitments continuing at Cornell. Such articulation can focus on teaching, research, or service or all three factors.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. The University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples and has a Dual Career program to assist with dual career searches.

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is recognized internationally as a leader in animal medicine, veterinary medical education, public health, and biomedical research. It has been consistently ranked as a top veterinary college in the nation by US News & World Report since 2000.

About Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Cornell is located in Ithaca on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York. Ithaca is a vibrant city with art museums, theaters, and a diverse selection of restaurants. It is within driving distance of several large metropolitan centers, award-winning wineries, and downhill skiing areas. Ithaca is a nature-lover’s paradise with ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Easy campus-to-campus bus transportation allows one to explore or work in NYC while enjoying the “Ithaca is Gorges” lifestyle. Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will create a climate that attracts people from all races, nationalities and genders. We strongly encourage underrepresented minorities to apply. The University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples and has a Dual Career program to assist with dual career searches.

Connections working at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine