Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Resident Rotation
in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology

Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 

Reports to: Director of Pathology, Dr. Pádraig Duignan

Program Classification: Seasonal externship/rotation: January 1 – December 31, 2025

Benefits:  No benefits

Program Overview

The Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Resident Rotation is an opportunity for anatomic and clinical pathology residents in established programs (traditional and non-traditional tracks) or those that have recently completed a program, to gain experience in marine mammal anatomy and pathology. Rotating residents will provide postmortem data on our patients and select carcasses, which consists of phocids, otariids, and the occasional cetacean and sea otter. During their time at The Marine Mammal Center, they will become familiar with marine mammal gross necropsy and histopathology including classic diseases.

This program requires a minimum of 2 weeks to maximum of 4 weeks duration and has openings year-round. The highest case load will be between March 1 and September 30 of 2025. (All slots for 2024 have been filled, with openings still available for 2025).

Shared housing near the Center MAY be available for a fee. Independent transportation is required; there is no public transportation to the Center’s hospital and guest housing.  Those who are accepted into the program will be asked to submit a separate application for housing. 

Key Responsibilities

• Perform gross necropsies and write necropsy reports, trimming in cases, evaluating histology from cases and writing associated reports after review with the pathologist.
• Opportunity to aid in gross necropsy instruction with veterinary students.

Qualifications and Experience

• DVM, anatomic or clinical pathology resident in a pathology residency training program. 
   

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.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis. 

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 dead animals and the care of animals.

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

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

1. Cover letter outlining the applicant's interests and professional goals: must include your top 3 choice dates for a 2–4-week rotation.
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. 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 throughout the year.  The selection process will occur throughout the year, with notification to applicants within a month of applying.

The Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age (40 and over), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic protected by Federal and State law, including considerations of intersectionality where multiple protected characteristics overlap.

We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Inquiries beyond the guidelines above can be directed to the following email address, but please review the information thoroughly prior to contacting:  training@tmmc.org