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.

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. Along with two other Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program faculty, one program licensed veterinary technician and one program assistant, the director will 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 director will demonstrate leadership in the discipline of shelter medicine by participating in national shelter and animal welfare associations, providing in-person, phone and email shelter consultation services, 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 Janet L. Swanson Director of Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program may negotiate a partial effort to develop or maintain a high-quality externally funded collaborative research program addressing objectives related to shelter medicine or access to care topics, in addition to the primary responsibilities listed above. 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 and 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 and surgery 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. Lena DeTar, Search Committee Chair, at hgd29@cornell.edu. Prospective candidates should upload their application materials (see below) 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)

1. Leadership vision
2. Teaching philosophy
3. Contribution to diversity and inclusion
4. Research interest (if applicable)

The search committee will begin considering complete applications on January 16, 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.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 primary vaccination or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.

New hires are required to provide documentation showing primary vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire's vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn.

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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.