Global Associate Director, Veterinary Oversight

Johnson & Johnson

Global Associate Director providing strategic and operational leadership for veterinary oversight in research programs at Johnson & Johnson. Accountable for scientific, ethical, and regulatory integrity in veterinary practices.

Posted 5/15/2026full-timeSpring House • California, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $137,000 - $235,750 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides global strategic and operational leadership for veterinary oversight across in vivo research programs
Serves as the designated Attending Veterinarian for assigned sites and programs
Accountable for the scientific, ethical, and regulatory integrity of veterinary oversight for internal research activities
Partners with designated accountable leaders to provide veterinary oversight input for external, contracted non-clinical and GLP safety assessment studies
Ensures animal well-being, appropriate medical care, and application of humane endpoints in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policies
Advises institutional Officials, IACUCs/ECs, and senior leadership on matters related to animal care and welfare
Provides global leadership and strategic direction for veterinary oversight supporting discovery research and nonclinical development programs
Directly manages, mentors, and develops clinical veterinarians
Establishes, harmonizes, and maintains global veterinary standards, expectations, and best methods
Supports IACUC/EC activities, including protocol review, post‑approval monitoring, inspections, audits, and regulatory interactions
Partners with study teams, Animal Welfare & Regulatory Compliance, Quality, Legal, and other partners to address veterinary and animal welfare findings, risks, or issues
Provides veterinary consultation and oversight input for externally conducted GLP safety assessment studies
Collaborates with toxicologists, study directors, QA, and procurement to support CRO veterinary programs
Contributes veterinary input to the qualification, auditing, and ongoing oversight of animal suppliers and contract research organizations
Partners with training teams to establish global expectations for veterinary training and competency
Leads global quality improvement initiatives related to veterinary oversight and animal welfare.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine/VMD (DVM/VMD) or equivalent degree from an accredited school of Veterinary Medicine
Licensed (or license-eligible) to practice veterinary medicine in the United States and/or European Union
Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in laboratory animal medicine within biotech/pharma or CRO environments
Education and experience sufficient to independently fulfill Attending Veterinarian responsibilities
Demonstrated experience in clinical veterinary care, animal welfare, and 3Rs advancement
Proven experience providing veterinary oversight, including for GLP safety assessment studies
Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (USDA, EU Directive 2010/63, GLPs) and AAALAC standards
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with a high level of diplomacy
Strong collaboration and professional relationship management capabilities
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive performance of geographically dispersed teams
Comfort engaging with partners at all organizational levels to communicate compliance expectations and address concerns/issues
Active participation in industry organizations and ongoing professional development
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent judgment and influencing skills across functions and regions
Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed global organization
Commitment to continuous professional development and regulatory awareness
Must complete all annual training requirements
Must perform all work per appropriate safety standards
Ability to wear all Personal Protective Equipment required to perform work tasks
Applicable vaccinations may be required for entry and work within specific laboratory and vivarium spaces.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Business accident insurance
Group legal insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member
Caregiver Leave – 10 days
Volunteer Leave – 4 days
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Doctorate of Veterinary Medicineclinical veterinary careanimal welfareGLP safety assessmentregulatory frameworks3Rs advancementveterinary oversightveterinary standardsprotocol reviewanimal care

Soft Skills

communication skillsinterpersonal skillscollaborationprofessional relationship managementleadershipanalytical skillsproblem-solving skillsdecision-making skillsinfluencing skillsdiplomacy

Certifications

licensed to practice veterinary medicine