Assistant/Associate Professor of Diagnostic Bacteriology and Mycology

Job Title
Assistant/Associate Professor of Diagnostic Bacteriology and Mycology


Requisition Number
FE04630


Working Title

Department Name
81140:Veterinary Science


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Type of Position
Faculty


Position Time Status
Full-Time


Tenure Track Status
Tenure Track


Required Education

PhD or DVM



Required Related Experience

Demonstrated ability as a productive scientist in areas relevant to veterinary bacteriology/mycology as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or scientific presentations



Required License/Registration/Certification

None



Job Summary

Position Description: The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL), Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE) invites applications for a faculty position focused on bacteriology and mycology. This is a tenure-eligible faculty position in the Department of Veterinary Science, with a 12-month faculty appointment in the Special Title Series. Initial appointment will be at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank with tenure eligibility and an anticipated distribution of effort of 75% service and 25% research. The appointee is expected to serve as the section head of the UKVLD’s Bacteriology and Mycology laboratory with oversight of daily diagnostic testing, new test development, and process improvement as part of the service appointment. In addition, the appointee will be involved in applied research in veterinary microbiology and in shared committee work as needed at the UKVDL, Department of Veterinary Science, the M-G CAFE, and/or the university level, as needed. Direct and indirect communication with veterinarians and animal producers regarding diagnostic cases is an important role for the person in this position. The appointment is subject to formal approval by Provost and the Board of Trustees.



UKVDL is a full service, veterinary diagnostic laboratory that serves Kentucky’s signature equine industry, substantial beef cattle and poultry industries, and small ruminants, wildlife and companion animal populations. UKVDL is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and is an active member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).



Position Responsibilities: Our new colleague will oversee the Bacteriology and Mycology laboratory and technicians to ensure that test results are reported in a timely and accurate manner. The candidate is encouraged to develop an extramurally funded research program related to veterinary diagnostics, collaborate with colleagues internal and external to the department, and implement and validate new diagnostic assays to further support Kentucky’s animal industries. Additionally, the candidate will develop and implement a sound vision and strategy for the Bacteriology and Mycology laboratory to ensure continuous quality improvement and AAVLD accreditation. Creative use of diagnostic case materials for applied research projects, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications is required. Further participation and service to university committees, professional organizations, and continuing medical education are required.



Required qualifications: The successful candidate shall have the following academic/professional qualifications:



a. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent or a PhD degree in microbiology (or related field)

b. Demonstrated ability as a productive scientist in areas relevant to veterinary bacteriology/mycology as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or scientific presentations

c. Experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory

d. Possession of excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills and the ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere



Preferred qualifications: The following professional qualifications and experiences are preferred:



a. DVM plus PhD in microbiology

b. Board-certification or board-eligibility in the American College of Veterinary Microbiology (ACVM)

c. Record of communication of test results and interpretations to clinicians.

d. Record of supervision of diagnostic laboratory staff.



Criteria for Promotion: Appointment to the position will be at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor, based on the applicant’s qualifications. Promotion will be based on review of the areas of (i) diagnostic service, (ii) oversight of the bacteriology/mycology section, (iii) research, (iv) university and public/professional service, and (v) attainment of professional status and peer recognition. An assessment of the candidate’s level of performance in each of these areas will be made by peer evaluation. These will include internal faculty, and external referees both identified by the candidate and independent of the candidate.



Evaluation of a candidate’s performance specifically will be based upon (i) research published in refereed journals, books, conference proceedings, reports, etc. (ii) providing timely and accurate diagnostic service to clinicians and animal producers (iii) developing and validating new diagnostic tests, (iv) obtaining nationally competitive or other extramural funding in support of her/his research program; and (v) oversight of the bacteriology/mycology laboratory.



Criteria for evaluating the candidate’s contribution to university and public/professional service may include (i) extent and effectiveness of service on departmental, college or university committees, panels, forums, boards, etc.; (ii) public service involving professional activities that emanate from the special competence of the individual in her/his area of expertise; (iii) participation and leadership in professional societies, specialty-organizations, review panels, scientific conferences, etc.; and (iv) review of journal manuscripts, grant applications, etc.


Application Process: Along with the application, applicants must submit a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, and the names/contact information of three individuals who can serve as professional references when prompted in the application.


Applications will be reviewed beginning October 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants may contact Dr. Alan Loynachan for questions at alan.loynachan@uky.edu.

The Environment:

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready.

For more than 130 years, CAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development.


The University of Kentucky is an institution with over 23,000 undergraduate and 9,500 graduate students. UK is Kentucky’s flagship university and a land grant institution. We have a university commitment to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond and that is why environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our institution’s legacy. We are recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Gold levelBicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists, and are recognized as a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver Rating by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

The university is geographically near downtown Lexington, which offers the vibrancy of an urban location while being in close proximity to working landscapes and recognized wilderness areas. It is a thriving community of 320,000+ with a strong commitment to quality of life, education, and the arts. Lexington is in the Bluegrass Region, an internationally acclaimed cultural landscape and agricultural region.

Salary and Benefits:

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with comprehensive rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes


Preferred Education/Experience

A DVM degree plus PhD in microbiology is desirable. Board-certification or board-eligibility in the American College of Veterinary Microbiology (ACVM). Record of supervision of diagnostic laboratory staff.



Deadline to Apply

Open Until Filled
Yes


Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.