The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) seeks a full-time veterinarian and research post-doc to join our
dedicated team of staff, students, researchers and volunteers as part of the Alabama Marine Mammal
Stranding Network (ALMMSN). The candidate filling this 12-month, full-time research-based position
would be eligible to seek research assistant faculty status or adjunct appointment at DISL and any of the
22 consortial schools in the state of Alabama.
The successful candidate will assist with stranding response, lead live animal response, lead necropsy
sessions and oversee writing necropsy reports, make diagnostic assessments, assist with training
support staff in stranding and necropsy techniques, and conduct independent research projects related
to pathology, diagnostic assessments, or other relevant topics that lead to peer-reviewed publications.
The successful candidate will co-mentor students and interns to assist with research. Teaching is not
mandatory, but the candidate may opt to develop and teach courses as part of the DISL undergraduate
summer or year-round graduate programs. The candidate will be encouraged to attend relevant
scientific and professional meetings to share data and for career development.
The ideal candidate has flexibility and desire to respond to and consult on strandings on short notice,
often during non-business hours including nights, weekends and holidays. Applicant should be able to
conduct a thorough physical examination (including blood draws and administration of medications) and
assess the status of a live stranded marine mammals. Applicant must communicate well with volunteers,
technicians, the public and media. The candidate will work closely with the Stranding Coordinator and
Primary Investigator (Dr. R.H. Carmichael) and in collaboration with the Southeast Region Stranding
Network, state and local partners under NOAA NMFS and USFWS.
Requirements: Applicant must be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD); have prior
experience in zoological medicine, including work with marine mammals; hold a valid U.S. veterinary
license; qualify for Alabama Veterinary and DEA licenses; and have a clean driving record. Applicants
must be familiar with and able to comply with all policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to
marine mammals in the U.S and be willing to gain specific knowledge needed to successfully accomplish
professional tasks in the southeast region and in the state of Alabama.
Preferred Qualifications: Applicant should be (or plan to be) a member of the International Association
of Aquatic Animal Medicine; additional medical training in an Aquatic Animal Medicine Program such as
Aquavet, Seavet, or Marvet etc.; experience conducting independent research in a relevant field,
including peer-reviewed publications; experience with statistical methods. Public speaking and teaching.
Training will be provided to further develop project management, research, leadership and teaching
skills, obtain stranding network certification, and enhance ongoing career development. The position is
salaried with full benefits, with initial contract for 2 years with possibility of extension. Application
deadline is November 5, 2017, with a preferred start date in early 2018.
To apply, please send a cover letter, including a research statement and potential collaborators, CV and
list of three references to
vetpostdoc@disl.org If you have questions or would like further information
about the position, please contact
Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael at 251-861-2141, x7555 or
rcarmichael@disl.org.