The Division of Animal Resource Facilities (DARF) of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine seeks to fill the position of Director of DARF.
Reporting to the University Vice President for Research, the Director provides oversight and university­ wide management of Animal Resource Facilities (ARF), the division that provides services for the university wide vertebrate animal research program. The Director assists in assuring compliance with all federal laws and guidelines and institutional policies concerning the use of animals in research. The Director works in partnership with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Office of Research Integrity. The Director is responsible for directing a division that administers a high­ quality program of service to faculty researchers. This individual develops, implements, and maintains animal care standards and policies to maximize university research.

Major duties include:
• Responsible for the operational management and administrative direction of the DARF.
• Provides leadership and direction in policy development and implementation for the division.
• Using a thorough knowledge of animal medicine and applicable policies, laws, and regulations, the ARF Director has the authority and accountability to make decisions regarding animal care as well as the personnel and resources that he/she oversees.
• The Director is expected to perform or assign management tasks in an effective manner that furthers the goal of excellence in animal care and use in scientific research and education.
• Ensures appropriate animal care standards in accordance with federal guidelines, requirements of AAALAC International, and University policies, and is a member of the IACUC.
• Provides advice to the Vice President for Research on issues concerning the use of animals in research.
• Ensures financial integrity in costing of all services, including per diems, in consultation with the Office of Research.
• Provides executive leadership in implementing the mission of animal research services, including animal care, regulatory compliance, research support, teamwork and assuring the safety and well-being of personnel and animals.
• Participates in veterinary support and assistance to investigators in protocol and animal model development, advising them in experimental design regarding animal welfare and adequate veterinary care issues. Understands and adheres to MU’s Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Ensures that the staff are trained and evaluated on their knowledge of and adherence to compliance policies and procedures specific to their jobs.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and university regulations, laws and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.

• Responsible for administering the annual operating budget and ensures appropriate expenditure of all funds allocated for department administration.
• Other responsibilities as deemed necessary for the proper management and delivery of lab animal services to the University.

Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.

The successful candidate must have a Veterinary Medical Degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited or approved veterinary medical college or school, or have passed the Foreign Veterinarian Equivalency Examination. Board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or equivalent training and experience with board certification in another related field will be considered. Post DVM graduate degree(s) MS or PhD are desirable in addition to board certification. USDA accreditation is desired.

A current license to practice veterinary medicine in at least one US state and eligible for licensure in the State of West Virginia.

Five to ten (5-10) years of experience in laboratory animal medicine working in a major research university or institution is required, and three to five (3-5) years successful administrative experience either directing a facility or a significant component of an animal research program.