Clinical and Research Post-Doctoral Associate - Raptor and Wildlife Health

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Job ID374799

LocationTwin Cities

Job FamilyAcademic

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular

Job Code9546

Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin

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About the Job

The Raptor Center (TRC) at the University of Minnesota Clinical and Research Post-Doctoral Associate is a unique position that offers a balanced 50/50 split between advanced clinical medicine and high-impact wildlife health research. This role is designed for a DVM (or equivalent) seeking to develop clinical expertise and contribute to research that ranges from the individual to population-based science.

The position will help advance TRC's mission by providing high-quality care to over 1,000 wild raptors admitted annually while simultaneously contributing to a research program in wildlife health. TRC's 50-year longitudinal clinical database offers research opportunities spanning clinical outcomes science, environmental toxicology, epidemiology, and One Health frameworks. The postdoctoral associate will be mentored by TRC faculty and will work collaboratively across the College of Veterinary Medicine and with regional, national, and international wildlife health partners.

Essential Functions

This position supports The Raptor Center's mission of service by efficiently and effectively contributing to the delivery of expert veterinary care to over 1,000 wild raptors admitted annually, as well as privately-owned raptors. This position also contributes to TRC's research mission by performing research tasks as outlined below. This role requires exceptional communication and strong teaching skills to work collaboratively with staff, students, and volunteers. In support of the clinic's teaching mission, the post-doctoral associate will provide hands-on clinical training to house officers and visiting professionals.

Key Responsibilities

50% - Clinical Care

Triage and Intake: Perform complete admission examinations and triage newly admitted wildlife patients according to TRC's standards of care and institutional ethics.

Medical and Surgical Management: Provide primary case management for injured and ill wild raptors, including soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, ophthalmic examinations, and physiotherapy.

Patient Oversight: Develop and adjust treatment plans for hospitalized patients, including medications, therapies, diet, and housing.

Diagnostics: Obtain and interpret diagnostic tests; obtain research samples and log data accurately in the ZIMS medical record system.

Anesthesia: Perform general anesthesia and respond appropriately and efficiently to anesthetic emergencies.

Biosecurity: Follow and adhere to strict biosecurity and quarantine protocols; identify patients with potential infectious diseases and implement appropriate management protocols.

Captive/Client-Owned Care: Perform wellness and medical concern examinations for captive, client-owned raptors, including educational ambassadors and falconry birds.

Euthanasia: Provide timely humane euthanasia as needed.

Mentorship: Mentor veterinary interns and students in clinical techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional ethics, and high-quality patient care.

50% - Research

Conduct independent and collaborative research projects under the direction and in conjunction with TRC faculty.

Develop studies focusing on current wildlife health priorities, potentially including but not limited to: clinical outcomes, wildlife epidemiology, environmental toxicology (e.g., PFAS), post-release monitoring, and climate change impacts.

Design, implement, and evaluate research projects, including laboratory experiments and population-level analysis.

Contribute to and/or author grant applications to support research work at TRC.

Collaborate with faculty across the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and partner with regional/national wildlife health organizations.

Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, professional conferences, and technical reports.

Supervise research-related staff or students as project needs dictate.

Location and Work Environment

Work is performed on-site at The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.

This is an in-person, essential-employee role.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) 12-month appointment

Renewable for 3-5 years total, depending on performance and funding.

Due to the nature of wildlife clinical work, the schedule requires flexibility, including occasional weekends, holidays, and on-call rotation to meet patient care demands and emergency response requirements.

Supervisor

The Raptor Center's Medical Director.

Required Training

ZIMS medical record system.

Occupational health and additional trainings as directed by IACUC protocols

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.

Strong foundational experience in avian or wildlife medicine.

Demonstrated ability to perform independent research, including study design, data collection, and analysis.

Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a high-volume, dynamic clinical environment.

Ability to maintain composure in high-stress, emotionally charged environments, including through the euthanasia process.

License to practice veterinary medicine in Minnesota, or ability to obtain licensure prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of formal postgraduate clinical training (internship/residency).

Experience in wildlife pathology, epidemiology, or environmental toxicology.

Demonstrated passion for the One Health approach.

USDA veterinary accreditation (Category I and/or II)

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds; ability to lift awkward, heavy objects from the ground.

Ability to walk mile.

Ability and willingness to wear a fitted N95 respirator for significant periods of time.

Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in a biosecure quarantine space for significant periods of time.

Ability to physically capture and safely restrain wild raptors, including large eagles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Selection Criteria

Ability to project a positive attitude towards co-workers, supervisor, volunteers, and the public

Ability to provide excellent customer service - in person, online and on the telephone.

Ability to use time efficiently and take initiative to respond to departmental needs.

Ability to communicate respectfully and clearly in verbal and written communication.

Ability to work as a team member in a highly dynamic, busy environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities through professional training

Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

University HSA contributions

Disability and life insurance

Employee wellbeing program

Financial counseling services

Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor Degree

Minimum Experience Required

None

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

No

Physical Required

Yes

Drug Test Required

Yes

Compensation

$11.41 / Hourly

Postal Code

55455

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

374799

Job Benefits

Not specified