The University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has opened its search for chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center.

The chair provides academic leadership for faculty members located in the Gluck Center and the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. In addition, the position works collaboratively with the Gluck Equine Research Foundation and its board, as well as UK Ag Equine Programs, an interdisciplinary equine unit that serves as a front door to equine work in the College.

It is a tenure-eligible, 12-month appointment with an anticipated start date of Jan. 1, 2023. A PhD, DVM/VMD or equivalent is required, as is professional experience including instruction, peer-reviewed scholarship and extramural funding.

Applications should be submitted by May 20 for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. The online application can be found at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/386871. Applicants are asked to include a letter of interest outlining their approach to the position’s qualifications, responsibilities and vision for innovating and impactful programs; research interests statement; public service statement; teaching portfolio; career CV; and names/contact information for at least three references.

The focus of the Gluck Center is the scientific discovery, education and dissemination of information for the health and wellbeing of the horse. The Gluck Center strives to be an international leader in equine research and to collaborate with the equine industry and veterinary community, as well as educating the next generation of researchers through its graduate program. The Gluck Center has seven areas of expertise, including infectious diseases, immunology, genetics and genomics, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, reproductive health and toxicology.

The director of the Gluck Center works closely with the UK Gluck Equine Research Foundation Board and the college administration to direct programmatic investment of the income from a current endowment(s) and provide leadership to ensure the continued success of the philanthropic program. The director of the Gluck Center is expected to sustain highly visible and exceptionally cooperative relationships with all sectors of the large and growing equine interests. Global relationships are an integral part of Kentucky’s equine industry, and candidates with international experience are highly desirable.

The UKVDL is a nationally and internationally recognized center for diagnostic excellence, serves the full breadth of animal industries and is fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. Located in the heart of the Thoroughbred breeding industry, with long-standing and productive collaborations with equine hospitals, farms and the Gluck Center, the UKVDL is uniquely situated to study all aspects of equine health and disease. The UKVDL houses faculty and staff members with specialization in pathology, ruminant extension, toxicology, microbiology, serology, clinical pathology and epidemiology. The UKVDL conducts collaborative research and participates in the cooperative teaching program with Lincoln Memorial University for senior DVM students.

Holly Wiemers, MA, APR, is communications and managing director for UK Ag Equine Programs.