University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Primary Care Staff Veterinarian
Job Profile Title
Staff Veterinarian
Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking an experienced and compassionate Primary Care Staff Veterinarian to join our team at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital. This role focuses on delivering high-quality clinical care within our Primary Care Service, while also actively contributing to the education of veterinary students and interns.
As a vital member of a world-renowned academic teaching hospital, you will work in a collaborative and supportive environment alongside specialists from over 30 AVMA-recognized disciplines. The position combines hands-on patient care, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration—all within a hospital committed to innovation, service, and excellence in veterinary medicine.
This is a full-time, exempt position with an anticipated start date in Fall 2025.
Job Description
Our Primary Care Service provides medical and surgical care to a variety of patients in the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs. We prioritize a low-stress handling environment for feline and canine patients to ensure optimal comfort and safety. As a Primary Care Staff Veterinarian at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital, you will play a critical role in providing high-quality clinical care, educating future veterinarians, and contributing to the growth of our leading primary care service. Specific responsibilities include:
Lead the development and delivery of an accredited veterinary dentistry and oral health program within the primary care service. Provide direct instruction, supervise students during COHATs, and collaborate with faculty to integrate dentistry as a core component of the primary care curriculum.
Provide hands-on medical and surgical care to a diverse primary care caseload.
Oversee preventive and urgent care appointments for pets of Penn employees and external clients.
Work closely with specialty services to ensure seamless, collaborative patient care.
Supervise and mentor third- and fourth-year veterinary students on the clinic floor.
Train and guide rotating veterinary interns in clinical practice.
Help foster an engaging, educational environment that attracts top veterinary students.
Communication & Collaboration
Serve as a liaison between clients and internal hospital services.
Work closely with other departments, including Shelter Medicine, Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Surgery, and Anesthesia, to fulfill the school's mission.
Contribute to building a dynamic, front-facing Primary Care program.
Support initiatives aligned with Penn Vet's commitment to community service and clinical excellence.
Assist with curriculum enhancements and participate in departmental efforts to strengthen primary care education.
The role will be well-supported with institutional resources, including access to modern dental equipment, skilled technical staff, and collaboration with faculty specialists, ensuring that the program is sustainable and impactful. You will join a collaborative team within the Primary Care Service, currently comprised of one faculty member and one staff veterinarian, and work within a collegial environment that includes over 30 board-certified specialists across a wide range of disciplines.
Education: DVM or VMD degree required.
Experience: Minimum of 8 years in general practice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Clinical Skills: Strong proficiency in primary care medicine, general surgery, and dentistry.
Training: Continuing education courses and lectures in dentistry and oral health; training in HQHVSN strongly preferred.
Teaching Abilities: Experience or interest in clinical instruction and mentorship of veterinary students and interns.
Teamwork: A collaborative, collegial mindset and commitment to working across departments.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal, client service, and professional communication skills.
Certifications: Fear-free certification is required; ABVP is welcome but not required. Support may be available for those pursuing board certification.
The ideal candidate will thrive in an academic hospital setting, enjoy working with both clients and learners, and value the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven institution serving the local community and advancing veterinary education.
Targeted Pay Range:$130k - 145K
This Targeted Pay Range is only applicable to this job posting. All salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Please contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist at [email protected] for further details.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
School of Veterinary Medicine
Pay Range
$95,200.00 - $145,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours:Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary (1)