The Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) at Cornell University is a service and resource to the Cornell research and teaching community.
Cornell’s 3-year, ACLAM-recognized residency provides a flexible and balanced training experience with a wide variety of lab animal species and research. Residents are mentored through increasing Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and clinical responsibilities. Recognizing the importance of leadership skills for career development, we also provide many resources to help promote future leaders in lab animal medicine.
At our AAALAC-accredited institution, residents receive hands-on training to advance the humane care and responsible use of a myriad of species. Cornell’s agricultural emphasis offers a training niche in management of research ag species that is a unique opportunity. The successful candidate’s skillset is developed in diagnosis and treatment of conditions encountered in laboratory animal species; communication with investigators and provision of veterinary support; knowledge of animal husbandry in biomedical and agricultural settings; veterinary roles and responsibilities within an IACUC; and the implementation of traditional and recently developed animal models. Cornell has both large and small animal ABSL2 facilities, and a small animal ABSL3 facility.
The CARE resident is able to rotate within the CVM (e.g., anesthesiology, pathology) and outside institutional externships are available to acquire nonhuman primate experience and to explore other area(s) of interest. CARE residents can work alongside boarded veterinary specialists in Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA). Through this relationship, residents have access to various diagnostic tools, imaging modalities, and treatment options that are currently the gold standard for veterinary medicine. Basic laboratory space is available for benchtop work. Residents may find research mentors and/or collaborators from various academic departments.
Previous clinical experience is preferred but not required. Residents are expected to be competent in clinical abilities/knowledge at a novice level as defined in AAVMC CBVE: https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AAVMC-CBVE-2.0-2025-02.pdf
Applicants with credentials from both foreign and American colleges of veterinary medicine are welcome to apply. Any questions regarding eligibility requirements should be directed to Ms. Pilar Thompson (pav37@cornell.edu).
Program dates: 3-year term
Application deadline: November 30, 2026
Requirements:
The candidate must hold a DVM or equivalent degree.
Possess or have the ability to obtain a valid NYS driver's license.
The ideal candidate is independent, highly motivated, a good communicator, and a strong team player.
Pre-employment background check will be required.
Non-compete agreement required.
Applicants will need to submit the following:
A personal statement describing the applicant’s background, reasons for applying for this residency, and career goals.
Curriculum vitae
Three to five letters of reference from faculty members, research mentors, and/or practicing veterinarians. These letters should ideally address demonstrated interest in laboratory animal medicine, performance of clinical skills, veterinary medical knowledge, ability to communicate and work with others, and scientific research.
Official transcripts, including grade point average, from all post-secondary institutions attended and class rank in veterinary school (if available). Official and certified translations of DVM transcripts and foreign degrees are needed. If courses/degrees are not from a U.S. institution it is required that they are evaluated by an outside agency for equivalency that meets accepted standards.
***Letters and transcripts should be sent electronically to the attention of:
Dr. Jennifer Asher, DACLAM
Residency Director, Clinical Veterinarian
Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) | Research &…