Associate Director, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

The Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) is a standing committee at Georgia State University, whose composition and responsibilities are mandated by the Animal Welfare Act & Regulations (Public Law 98-198), the Public Health Service Policy and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The Associate Director of the IACUC provides subject matter expertise and technical support to the IACUC.

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversees IACUC operations including all aspects of the IACUC office, committee functions and meeting American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) standards for the IACUC; serves as liaison between the IACUC Chair, members and investigators; analyzes protocols; provides feedback to investigators; provides technical expertise to animal users, faculty, researchers, IACUC members and other committees; and reviews and assesses research proposals involving the use of animals, laboratory operations and facilities and construction/renovation plans for all aspects of animal care and use.  
• Evaluates individual IACUC committee member performance; establishes and reports on IACUC metrics related to committee activities and performance; and benchmarks performance standards to improve customer satisfaction.
• Ensures IACUC compliance with accreditation standards; maintains IACUC policies and procedures to meet AAALAC standards and regulatory requirements; updates policies, procedures and guidelines in response to changes in regulations; and maintains working knowledge of all federal, state and local regulations and University Policies and Procedures as they relate to the management of the IACUC and the IACUC Office.  
• Works with Research Occupational Health to identify and evaluate occupational exposures as well as hazardous conditions; works with Research and Environmental Safety when appropriate for resolution; coordinates Biosafety policies and procedures with IACUC for congruency; assists with development of Biosafety manuals, policies and procedures; and ensures congruency with animal welfare and Biosafety requirements.
• Conducts and oversees IACUC Post Approval Monitoring of IACUC approved Animal Research Protocols in accordance with USDA and Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) regulations; addresses issues of research non-compliance with vigor and works to develop plans for immediate correction, in collaboration with the IACUC Chair and University officials; informs and works with Research and Environmental Safety for appropriate resolution of identified issues; collaborates with the IACUC Chair to conduct research inquires, investigations and audits following presentation of complaints, concerns and allegations to the IACUC; and provides information to Research Safety Programs Director on biosafety, radiation safety and laboratory safety issues related to animal welfare and seeks appropriate resolution to issues identified.  
• Responsible for updates and maintaining the assurance documents related to IACUC. Coordinates regulatory inspections; responsible for timely completing of all required reports and permits; serves as the contact for inspectors; responds, evaluates and reports on laboratory and research facilities emergencies involving animals; and coordinates with Research and Environmental Safety regarding emergencies.  
• Oversees implementation, revisions and maintenance of the IACUC electronic protocol submission system; resolves appropriate issues with the electronic protocol submission system for investigators; updates documents in the electronic protocol submission system as needed and provides training to IACUC members, staff and investigators on the electronic protocol submission system.  
• Develops and coordinates a comprehensive curriculum for training in regulatory, safety and other IACUC related areas; provides instruction, secures appropriate instructors or alternative education modalities and oversees record keeping of IACUC members, researchers and staff training.
• Supervises IACUC/IBC Compliance Officer; provides oversight assistance as requested for Research and Environmental Safety; and performs other duties as assigned.