About the role
Campus
OSU-Stillwater
Contact Name & Email
Akhilesh Ramachandran, rakhile@okstate.edu
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.
Appointment Length
11 months
Hiring Range
Commensurate with education and experience
Priority Application Date
While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by December 15, 2026 to ensure full consideration.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, application should include:
A letter of intent describing professional goals and addressing experience and qualifications relevant to the position; curriculum vitae; and the names and contact information for three professional references.
About this Position
Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (OADDL) in Stillwater, Oklahoma. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished veterinary diagnostic professional and leader to guide a highly respected regional laboratory into its next era of growth, innovation, and excellence.
OADDL is a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory and an integral component of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) since 1979, OADDL is a Level One member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and provides critical diagnostic support for the early detection of foreign animal diseases.
OADDL serves clients throughout Oklahoma and the United States. The laboratory is also integral to the College of Veterinary Medicine’s teaching mission, resident training, and diagnostic support of the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
OADDL is exceptionally well positioned for its next chapter. A $20 million renovation of the laboratory facility is currently underway, providing a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation.
The new Director will have the opportunity to build upon OADDL’s long-standing reputation for diagnostic excellence while providing visionary leadership for its future. The successful candidate will be expected to identify opportunities to expand diagnostic services, revenue, partnerships, and the laboratory’s client base while maintaining the high reputation OADDL has established over decades of service.
The Director will lead a dedicated and experienced faculty and staff and will be supported by the resources of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. The incumbent is responsible for an annual operating budget of about $6 million and 40 employees.
The Director will hold a tenure-track or career-track faculty appointment in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology within the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Major responsibilities include
- Providing strategic vision and leadership for OADDL.
- Providing administrative and fiscal oversight, including responsible management of resources and long-term financial sustainability.
- Developing strategies to expand diagnostic services, revenue, partnerships, and the laboratory’s client base.
- Maintaining OADDL’s reputation for high-quality, timely, and innovative diagnostic services.
- Ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and standards.
- Ensuring continued compliance with the Requirements for an Accredited Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and maintaining AAVLD accreditation.
- Supporting OADDL’s responsibilities as a member of National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.
- Working with the OADDL Board of Advisors, which includes broad representation from Oklahoma stakeholders to support the needs of the state.
- Supporting OADDL’s teaching, training, and service missions within the College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
- Fostering an environment of excellence, innovation, collaboration, professional development, and outstanding client service.
- Representing OADDL and OSU with governmental agencies, veterinary organizations, animal industries, and other external partners.
Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Candidates must possess
- A DVM or equivalent professional veterinary degree and an advanced degree.
- At least five years of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or relevant work experience.
- At least five years’ directing/supervising experience.
The successful candidate should demonstrate a record of professional accomplishment and possess the vision, creativity, communication skills, and collaborative leadership necessary to advance a complex veterinary diagnostic organization.
OADDL has maintained full-service AAVLD accreditation since 1979 and has been a member of the NALHN since 2006. These affiliations reflect a longstanding commitment to quality, animal health, and national disease preparedness. Its integration within the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine provides a unique environment where diagnostic service, veterinary education, clinical care, research, and animal health preparedness intersect.
With a dedicated staff, experienced leadership team, strong institutional support, a major facility renovation, and an established regional client base, OADDL offers the incoming Director an outstanding platform for continued growth and innovation.
Oklahoma State University is a land-grant institution with a strong tradition of teaching, research, outreach, and service. Stillwater is a vibrant university community within easy driving distance of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, offering a relatively low cost of living along with abundant cultural, recreational, collegiate athletics, and entertainment opportunities.
Applications should include
- A letter of intent describing professional goals and addressing experience and qualifications relevant to the position;
- A curriculum vitae; and
- The names and contact information for three professional references.
Inquiries regarding the search may be directed to:
Dr. Akhilesh Ramachandran
OADDL Director Search and Screening Committee
rakhile@okstate.edu
Application review will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Required Qualifications
- D.V.M. (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
- At least five years of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or relevant work experience.
- At least five years’ directing/supervising experience.
Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses
Board certification desirable.
Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge
The successful candidate should demonstrate a record of professional accomplishment and possess the vision, creativity, communication skills, and collaborative leadership necessary to advance a complex veterinary diagnostic organization.
Working Conditions
Occasional unpleasant odors from animal tissues and diagnostic specimens.
Handling of chemicals, handling of animal tissues, biological/zoonotic agents (including but not limited to viral and bacterial, fungal, and protozoal organisms), and use of electrical equipment.
Rabies immunization is required and will be provided.