The Marine Mammal Center
Sausalito, CA, USA
Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology Veterinary Internship
Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to : Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Emily Whitmer
Position Classification: Full-time, One-year position
Benefits: Full benefits including health insurance through UC Davis. Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a shared unit located within 2 miles of the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito.
Anticipated dates : July 29, 2026 - July 31, 2027
Compensation: This position will receive an estimated annual salary of $53,860 through UC Davis.
Program Overview: This one-year program is designed to train post-graduate veterinarians in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology. The intern receives mentorship and training from the clinical veterinary team, pathology team, and animal care staff and volunteers at the Center. The Intern provides medical care for sick and injured marine mammals in rehabilitation, conducts post-mortem examinations, and contributes to teaching visiting veterinary and animal care professionals. The Intern also develops and conducts a research project in marine mammal health with the goal of presentation at a scientific conference and publication. The primary focus is pinnipeds, with occasional opportunities with other taxa such as sea otters and cetaceans. The position may include occasional opportunities for field work including large cetacean necropsy, stranding response and/or veterinary support of free-ranging wildlife research projects. This is a one-year long, full-time, paid position.
Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a shared unit located within 2 miles of the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito.
This position is a collaboration with the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Intern is a House Officer in the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Essential Functions:
Clinical: 75%
Conduct patient physical examinations, health assessments, treatments, and sample collection for rehabilitation care and in support of ongoing research projects.
Develop, implement, and execute diagnostic and therapeutic plans for patients, including euthanasia when indicated.
Conduct post-mortem examinations.
Coordinate and communicate with other personnel to ensure continuity and high standard of care.
In conjunction with other veterinary and animal care staff, advise Response Department personnel and satellite facilities as needed regarding whether response/intervention is appropriate, and when so, guide appropriate response and initiation of care including husbandry and treatment.
Provide evening, on-call, in-person animal care in response to patient emergencies in Sausalito.
Provide evening, on-call, remote animal care through telephone and text communication with staff and volunteers at all California facilities: Sausalito Hospital, Monterey Bay Operations, and San Luis Obispo Operatons.
Maintain accurate and complete patient medical and husbandry records in a primarily electronic medical records database, including specific reports required for protected species in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Record controlled drug use in compliance with DEA regulations.
Research: 10%
Develop and conduct a research project in marine mammal health and present results such as through attendance at a scientific conference and peer-review publication.
Contribute to data and sample collection for ongoing marine mammal health research projects.
Leadership & Education: 10%
Contribute to instruction of participants in the Center’s Teaching Hospital program in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology.
Provide guidance, advice, and consultation for questions and concerns animal care volunteers.
Represent and promote the Center’s science and health programs to external parties such as donors and media.
Other Duties as Assigned: 5%
Perform special projects as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility:
None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to work closely and safely with wild animals, which requires physical strength, dexterity, and situational awareness.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team.
Ability to react appropriately and calmly in emergency situations.
Energy and enthusiasm for working with staff and volunteers of diverse backgrounds and differing ability levels.
Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.
Education and Experience:
DVM or equivalent degree from AVMA-accredited veterinary college.
Minimum 1 year experience practicing veterinary medicine.
Certifications and/or Licenses:
California State license to practice veterinary medicine or ability to obtain licensure prior to initiating employment.
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious).
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
Work occurs in outdoor weather conditions and elements throughout the year.
Hospital environment with utilization and potential exposure to potent anesthetic drugs and toxic substances including formalin and disinfectant agents. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment, particularly during operation of radiologic equipment with potential exposure to radiation.
Routine use of medical equipment such as digital radiology machines, endoscopy equipment and laboratory equipment (centrifuge, etc.).
Rare work in a field environment may include terrestrial and marine/boat-based work and require hiking to some observation points or acting as part of a boat crew (minimal). The individual may also participate in cetacean mortality investigations.
Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
Involves smells associated with animals and the care of animals.
Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion and tasks.
Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to crouch down, move quickly, and work with large animals.
Ability to spend extended periods on standing, walking, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.
For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org
To Apply: Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for this position:
Letter of intent that addresses the following prompts:
What are your professional goals and how will an internship at the Center contribute to achieving these goals?
What are your experiences in teaching and mentoring others?
How does marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and release contribute to ocean conservation?
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Name, email address, and phone number of at least two professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from hr@tmmc.org directly to your references.
Application period is open through January 4th, 2026. Selection process and interviews will occur in January 2026, with notification to applicants to follow by the end of January/early February 2026. All applicants will receive communication of decision in advance of the February 13 VIRMP withdrawal deadline.
Inquiries can be directed to the following email address: training@tmmc.org
We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.
Full Time Temporary
Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology Veterinary Internship
Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to : Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Emily Whitmer
Position Classification: Full-time, One-year position
Benefits: Full benefits including health insurance through UC Davis. Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a shared unit located within 2 miles of the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito.
Anticipated dates : July 29, 2026 - July 31, 2027
Compensation: This position will receive an estimated annual salary of $53,860 through UC Davis.
Program Overview: This one-year program is designed to train post-graduate veterinarians in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology. The intern receives mentorship and training from the clinical veterinary team, pathology team, and animal care staff and volunteers at the Center. The Intern provides medical care for sick and injured marine mammals in rehabilitation, conducts post-mortem examinations, and contributes to teaching visiting veterinary and animal care professionals. The Intern also develops and conducts a research project in marine mammal health with the goal of presentation at a scientific conference and publication. The primary focus is pinnipeds, with occasional opportunities with other taxa such as sea otters and cetaceans. The position may include occasional opportunities for field work including large cetacean necropsy, stranding response and/or veterinary support of free-ranging wildlife research projects. This is a one-year long, full-time, paid position.
Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a shared unit located within 2 miles of the Center’s main hospital in Sausalito.
This position is a collaboration with the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Intern is a House Officer in the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Essential Functions:
Clinical: 75%
Conduct patient physical examinations, health assessments, treatments, and sample collection for rehabilitation care and in support of ongoing research projects.
Develop, implement, and execute diagnostic and therapeutic plans for patients, including euthanasia when indicated.
Conduct post-mortem examinations.
Coordinate and communicate with other personnel to ensure continuity and high standard of care.
In conjunction with other veterinary and animal care staff, advise Response Department personnel and satellite facilities as needed regarding whether response/intervention is appropriate, and when so, guide appropriate response and initiation of care including husbandry and treatment.
Provide evening, on-call, in-person animal care in response to patient emergencies in Sausalito.
Provide evening, on-call, remote animal care through telephone and text communication with staff and volunteers at all California facilities: Sausalito Hospital, Monterey Bay Operations, and San Luis Obispo Operatons.
Maintain accurate and complete patient medical and husbandry records in a primarily electronic medical records database, including specific reports required for protected species in accordance with federal and state regulations.
Record controlled drug use in compliance with DEA regulations.
Research: 10%
Develop and conduct a research project in marine mammal health and present results such as through attendance at a scientific conference and peer-review publication.
Contribute to data and sample collection for ongoing marine mammal health research projects.
Leadership & Education: 10%
Contribute to instruction of participants in the Center’s Teaching Hospital program in marine mammal medicine, husbandry, and pathology.
Provide guidance, advice, and consultation for questions and concerns animal care volunteers.
Represent and promote the Center’s science and health programs to external parties such as donors and media.
Other Duties as Assigned: 5%
Perform special projects as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility:
None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to work closely and safely with wild animals, which requires physical strength, dexterity, and situational awareness.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team.
Ability to react appropriately and calmly in emergency situations.
Energy and enthusiasm for working with staff and volunteers of diverse backgrounds and differing ability levels.
Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.
Education and Experience:
DVM or equivalent degree from AVMA-accredited veterinary college.
Minimum 1 year experience practicing veterinary medicine.
Certifications and/or Licenses:
California State license to practice veterinary medicine or ability to obtain licensure prior to initiating employment.
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious).
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
This position operates in a professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways.
Work occurs in outdoor weather conditions and elements throughout the year.
Hospital environment with utilization and potential exposure to potent anesthetic drugs and toxic substances including formalin and disinfectant agents. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment, particularly during operation of radiologic equipment with potential exposure to radiation.
Routine use of medical equipment such as digital radiology machines, endoscopy equipment and laboratory equipment (centrifuge, etc.).
Rare work in a field environment may include terrestrial and marine/boat-based work and require hiking to some observation points or acting as part of a boat crew (minimal). The individual may also participate in cetacean mortality investigations.
Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
Involves smells associated with animals and the care of animals.
Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion and tasks.
Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to crouch down, move quickly, and work with large animals.
Ability to spend extended periods on standing, walking, and climbing stairs (potentially in inclement weather conditions).
ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.
For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org
To Apply: Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for this position:
Letter of intent that addresses the following prompts:
What are your professional goals and how will an internship at the Center contribute to achieving these goals?
What are your experiences in teaching and mentoring others?
How does marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and release contribute to ocean conservation?
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Name, email address, and phone number of at least two professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from hr@tmmc.org directly to your references.
Application period is open through January 4th, 2026. Selection process and interviews will occur in January 2026, with notification to applicants to follow by the end of January/early February 2026. All applicants will receive communication of decision in advance of the February 13 VIRMP withdrawal deadline.
Inquiries can be directed to the following email address: training@tmmc.org
We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.
The Marine Mammal Center
Sausalito, CA, USA
Diagnostic Pathology Fellowship
Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to : Associate Pathologist, Dr. Maggie Martinez
Program Dates: January 5, 2026 – December 31, 2026, with potential to extend into a second year.
Position Classification: This is a fixed-term, full-time position.
Compensation: $81,120 - 90,000 annual
Benefits:
Holidays
Sick Time
Vacation
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Life Insurance
Long Term Disability Insurance
401k Retirement Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Program Overview
The Diagnostic Pathology Fellowship at The Marine Mammal Center will begin January 5, 2026, and is a 1-year, full-time fellowship open to veterinary anatomic pathologists, ACVP or ECVP board-certified or boards eligible, interested in gaining diagnostic experience in marine mammal pathology. Application period is open through November 10, 2025. The selection process will occur in November 2025, with notification to applicants to follow by end of November 2025 with anticipated fellowship start date on January 5, 2026.
The Diagnostic Pathology Fellow at The Marine Mammal Center is primarily service-oriented, with an emphasis on diagnostic casework, necropsy, histopathology, cytology, and data quality. This role will perform necropsies, trim formalin-fixed specimens, interpret histopathology, gain experience with cytology and clinical laboratory techniques and interpretation, and participate in necropsy reporting, database entry, and quality control. The anatomic pathology service provides training under the supervision of board-certified pathologists, with the goal of developing independent diagnostic skills while contributing to the Center’s pathology case load.
While the primary focus is on service responsibilities, the Diagnostic Pathology Fellow may have opportunities to present case reports or series at conferences, conduct a small independent research project, or contribute to ongoing collaborative studies. This role will work closely with veterinary staff, researchers, and training participants, and may assist in mentorship of externs or visitors throughout the year.
The majority of postmortem cases at the Center include pinnipeds (phocids and otariids), with occasional large and small cetaceans and sea otters. This fellowship is designed to strengthen diagnostic expertise in marine mammal pathology while advancing the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.
Essential Functions:
Necropsy: 40 %
Perform basic necropsy laboratory procedures as described in agreed necropsy and sampling protocols for dissection, specimen photography, specimen collection, data collection, necropsy report writing, and data entry.
Perform basic necropsy procedures (basic dissection, tissue collection/preservation, tissue trimming, sample collection, etc.) on marine mammals.
Ensures data entered into Center’s in-house electronic animal record system (Ruby) and record keeping is reflected timely and accurately. Performs quality control on internal data entry for cases, samples, and various research projects for accuracy within Ruby.
Perform field necropsy of large whales while acting as a liaison with partner agencies such as California Academy of Sciences (CAS), including processing samples and assembly of paperwork including necropsy reports.
Prepares and interprets cytology and other clinical pathology techniques and tests. May shadow or assist in clinical laboratory.
May assist in maintaining pathology digital photo archive, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.
May assist in review of necropsy protocols and sampling requirements on an annual basis or more frequently as required (e.g. Dependent on disease outbreaks or other unforeseen events).
Histology: 4 0%
Perform basic histology laboratory procedures (trimming wet histopathology tissues) as per protocols.
Interpret histopathology and other advanced techniques (e.g. transmission electron microscopy) under supervision and guidance of board-certified pathologists with goal of independent interpretation.
Training & Educational Outreach: 10%
Trains and assists with training Teaching Hospital Program participants and pathology visitors in gross necropsy skills, anatomy and when appropriate in histopathology.
Assists with maintaining Teaching Hospital Program materials regarding pathology.
May train or assist in training external partners through various teaching opportunities (e.g. guest lectures, wetlabs).
May train other staff, volunteers, or technicians on necropsy and/or histopathology.
May present to donors or other behind-the-scenes visitors as needed.
May present at internal forums or venues or speak with media as needed.
Research: 5%
Assists in collecting specimens for collaborative (internal and external) research projects that require pathology specimens or results.
May conduct small independent research project, case report or case series.
May present research project, case report or case series at a conference (e.g. ACVP, IAAAM, WDA, SMM, AAZV).
Other Duties as Assigned: 5%
Perform special projects and research as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
DVM or equivalent degree from AVMA-accredited veterinary college is required.
Minimum of two years of formal pathology residency training from a qualified program.
Phase 2 boards eligibility is a minimum requirement; ACVP/ECVP diplomate status is desired.
CA Veterinary License preferred, once accepted into fellowship. License to be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.
Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability. (Must be 21+ years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required for this position.)
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds throughout the primarily outdoor hospital for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength and coordination.
Ability to remain in a stationary position and move in an office environment for extended periods of time.
Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion
Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
Ability to drive/operate a vehicle for extensive periods of time, including operating large trucks to assist with transporting animals between sites.
Ability to participate in cetacean mortality investigations, requiring training and use of sharp instruments.
Work Environment
Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements daily.
Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.
Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
Potential exposure to formalin.
Potential exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
Involves strong smells associated with deceased animals and the care of animals.
ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.
For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org
To Apply: Applicants must submit all the following materials to be considered for this program: incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Letter of intent that addresses the following prompts:
What are your professional goals and how will a fellowship at the Center contribute to achieving them?
What are your experiences in teaching and mentoring others as well as your approach to working collaboratively in a team?
In what ways can the study of disease and pathology in marine mammals help us better understand and protect ocean health?
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Name, email address, and phone number of three professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from hr@tmmc.org directly to your references.
Full Time Temporary
Diagnostic Pathology Fellowship
Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to : Associate Pathologist, Dr. Maggie Martinez
Program Dates: January 5, 2026 – December 31, 2026, with potential to extend into a second year.
Position Classification: This is a fixed-term, full-time position.
Compensation: $81,120 - 90,000 annual
Benefits:
Holidays
Sick Time
Vacation
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Life Insurance
Long Term Disability Insurance
401k Retirement Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Program Overview
The Diagnostic Pathology Fellowship at The Marine Mammal Center will begin January 5, 2026, and is a 1-year, full-time fellowship open to veterinary anatomic pathologists, ACVP or ECVP board-certified or boards eligible, interested in gaining diagnostic experience in marine mammal pathology. Application period is open through November 10, 2025. The selection process will occur in November 2025, with notification to applicants to follow by end of November 2025 with anticipated fellowship start date on January 5, 2026.
The Diagnostic Pathology Fellow at The Marine Mammal Center is primarily service-oriented, with an emphasis on diagnostic casework, necropsy, histopathology, cytology, and data quality. This role will perform necropsies, trim formalin-fixed specimens, interpret histopathology, gain experience with cytology and clinical laboratory techniques and interpretation, and participate in necropsy reporting, database entry, and quality control. The anatomic pathology service provides training under the supervision of board-certified pathologists, with the goal of developing independent diagnostic skills while contributing to the Center’s pathology case load.
While the primary focus is on service responsibilities, the Diagnostic Pathology Fellow may have opportunities to present case reports or series at conferences, conduct a small independent research project, or contribute to ongoing collaborative studies. This role will work closely with veterinary staff, researchers, and training participants, and may assist in mentorship of externs or visitors throughout the year.
The majority of postmortem cases at the Center include pinnipeds (phocids and otariids), with occasional large and small cetaceans and sea otters. This fellowship is designed to strengthen diagnostic expertise in marine mammal pathology while advancing the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.
Essential Functions:
Necropsy: 40 %
Perform basic necropsy laboratory procedures as described in agreed necropsy and sampling protocols for dissection, specimen photography, specimen collection, data collection, necropsy report writing, and data entry.
Perform basic necropsy procedures (basic dissection, tissue collection/preservation, tissue trimming, sample collection, etc.) on marine mammals.
Ensures data entered into Center’s in-house electronic animal record system (Ruby) and record keeping is reflected timely and accurately. Performs quality control on internal data entry for cases, samples, and various research projects for accuracy within Ruby.
Perform field necropsy of large whales while acting as a liaison with partner agencies such as California Academy of Sciences (CAS), including processing samples and assembly of paperwork including necropsy reports.
Prepares and interprets cytology and other clinical pathology techniques and tests. May shadow or assist in clinical laboratory.
May assist in maintaining pathology digital photo archive, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.
May assist in review of necropsy protocols and sampling requirements on an annual basis or more frequently as required (e.g. Dependent on disease outbreaks or other unforeseen events).
Histology: 4 0%
Perform basic histology laboratory procedures (trimming wet histopathology tissues) as per protocols.
Interpret histopathology and other advanced techniques (e.g. transmission electron microscopy) under supervision and guidance of board-certified pathologists with goal of independent interpretation.
Training & Educational Outreach: 10%
Trains and assists with training Teaching Hospital Program participants and pathology visitors in gross necropsy skills, anatomy and when appropriate in histopathology.
Assists with maintaining Teaching Hospital Program materials regarding pathology.
May train or assist in training external partners through various teaching opportunities (e.g. guest lectures, wetlabs).
May train other staff, volunteers, or technicians on necropsy and/or histopathology.
May present to donors or other behind-the-scenes visitors as needed.
May present at internal forums or venues or speak with media as needed.
Research: 5%
Assists in collecting specimens for collaborative (internal and external) research projects that require pathology specimens or results.
May conduct small independent research project, case report or case series.
May present research project, case report or case series at a conference (e.g. ACVP, IAAAM, WDA, SMM, AAZV).
Other Duties as Assigned: 5%
Perform special projects and research as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
DVM or equivalent degree from AVMA-accredited veterinary college is required.
Minimum of two years of formal pathology residency training from a qualified program.
Phase 2 boards eligibility is a minimum requirement; ACVP/ECVP diplomate status is desired.
CA Veterinary License preferred, once accepted into fellowship. License to be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.
Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability. (Must be 21+ years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required for this position.)
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds throughout the primarily outdoor hospital for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength and coordination.
Ability to remain in a stationary position and move in an office environment for extended periods of time.
Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion
Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
Ability to drive/operate a vehicle for extensive periods of time, including operating large trucks to assist with transporting animals between sites.
Ability to participate in cetacean mortality investigations, requiring training and use of sharp instruments.
Work Environment
Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements daily.
Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.
Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
Potential exposure to formalin.
Potential exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
Involves strong smells associated with deceased animals and the care of animals.
ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.
For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org
To Apply: Applicants must submit all the following materials to be considered for this program: incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Letter of intent that addresses the following prompts:
What are your professional goals and how will a fellowship at the Center contribute to achieving them?
What are your experiences in teaching and mentoring others as well as your approach to working collaboratively in a team?
In what ways can the study of disease and pathology in marine mammals help us better understand and protect ocean health?
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Name, email address, and phone number of three professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from hr@tmmc.org directly to your references.
