The Department of Clinical Sciences at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University invites applications for a full-time faculty appointment in veterinary ophthalmology at the assistant professor level in the clinical or unmodified track, depending on the interests and strengths of the applicant. This position is on the continuous term (tenure-equivalent) track, with a strong emphasis on clinical activity and teaching. Faculty members are expected to contribute to pre-clinical and clinical teaching in the DVM program, to mentor residents, to engage in research and scholarly activity, and to provide ophthalmology support in the Foster Hospital for Small Animals (FHSA) and the Hospital for Large Animals (HLA).
The FHSA and HLA are fully equipped multi-specialty teaching hospitals, offering referral services and 24/7 emergency care. The FHSA caseload is primarily dogs, cats, and exotic species, with approximately 35,000 cases per year. The HLA caseload is primarily equine, with 15% camelids and small ruminants, with approximately 2,000 cases per year. We pride ourselves on working well with all sections of the hospitals and therefore we seek a team member with a collaborative spirit.
The ophthalmology service is supported by outstanding anesthesia, critical care, diagnostic imaging, and pathology services. Available state-of-the-art equipment includes a fundic camera, electroretinography unit, service-dedicated ultrasound with 12-, 20-, 35- and 50-MHz probes, two Zeiss operating microscopes (one newly acquired in 2023), Bausch & Lomb Stellaris phacoemulsification unit, two cryo units (N02 and liquid-N), diode laser with indirect headset, Peschke Velvet crosslinking system, and Heidelberg Spectralis OCT.
Excellence in DVM student instruction and resident mentoring is expected. Faculty are expected to assist with specialty board review sessions, journal club, and other aspects of resident training, including supervision of resident research projects. All clinical faculty are expected to engage in sufficient research and scholarly activity to remain current in the field. There are many opportunities to develop independent or collaborative research projects with faculty on this campus or with researchers on other Tufts campuses and within the New England medical community. All scholarly activity is valued in the school’s promotions process.
The allocation of time ranges from 26 - 32 weeks for clinical activity, 5-8 weeks for classroom and laboratory teaching, 5 - 10 weeks for research and scholarly activity, and 3 - 6 weeks for administrative service, depending on the interests of the candidate. Vacation and university time off is 5 weeks.
Qualifications
Requirements include a DVM degree or its equivalent and completion of an American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) residency. Preference will be given to individuals who are already ACVO board certified, although we welcome applications from those in the final stages of residency training. Board certification is required at, or no later than two-years following, the date of hire. Demonstrated interest and aptitude in teaching is required. Demonstrated clinical excellence and the ability to engage in scholarship are expected. Salary will be dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin June 1, 2024, and the search will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing their qualifications, clinical and teaching experience, and scholarly interests. Please address your strengths/experiences in creating an inclusive environment as it relates to teaching, research, and/or service in your cover letter. The names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references should be provided. Applicants should submit materials through the Interfolio link (https://apply.interfolio.com/145695). For questions about the application process please contact Dr. Leslie Sharkey at Leslie.Sharkey@tufts.edu. Start date is negotiable.
Cummings School is situated in Grafton, MA on a 600-acre pastoral campus, forty-five minutes west of Boston and next door to Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts. A virtual tour of the campus is available here. There is a regional rail service stop adjacent to campus and easy access to cultural and sporting events. The campus is a short drive from beautiful beaches, mountains, and other unique features of New England. The area is a hub of biotechnology and higher education. The K-12 education system is excellent. Housing is readily available close to campus or in any number of surrounding towns. Links to faculty policies and procedures and human resources benefits can be found here.
