Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

We seek a collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Veterinary Affairs and Director Division of Comparative Medicine (AVC). This is a rare opportunity for a strategic leader to develop and lead a talented and committed team of over 290 laboratory animal professionals and staff to meet the complex and growing needs of the research community at the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) and the Danforth campus. The university has ambitious expansion goals for our research enterprise and maintaining an accredited, humane animal program while meeting the research needs of investigators is critical to our future achievement. In partnership with the Vice Chancellor for Research, the AVC will have the opportunity to create a vision and develop the organization to enhance performance and staff engagement.

The AVC is responsible for the well-being and clinical care of animals used in research, testing, teaching, and production. This includes the appropriate monitoring and promotion of animal well-being at all times during animal use, and during all phases of the animalâ™s life. The AVC will set the tone for the program of animal care and will uphold the highest standards of care and ethics. The AVC interacts with university leadership, department chairs, compliance groups, facilities and design teams, and PIs, representing DCM on strategic planning, facility design, technology projects, and other research initiatives.

Job Description

Reporting Structure

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research, the AVC provides leadership and strategic direction with administrative oversight of all veterinary care, husbandry services, and facilities operations and management of the annual budget. The AVC may delegate the role of Institutional Attending Veterinarian, compliance and IACUC affairs. The AVC position is well supported by a high-performing staff including six veterinarians plus a team of veterinary techs and facilities operations staff totaling more than 290.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• The Institutional Attending Veterinarian/the AVC advises investigators and the IACUC on the appropriateness of specific techniques and methods on animal model development and research needs and the availability of alternative animal and non-animal models.
• The Institutional Attending Veterinarian/the AVC works independently and in conjunction with the IACUC to assure that care and use of animals covered by IACUC-approved protocols are to the highest programmatic standards and quality possible, and in full compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations, and university policies and procedures.
• Oversee the administration of services in all aspects of veterinary care of various species (rodents, non-human primates, rabbits, aquatics, and other lab animals). This may include providing clinical veterinary medical care, surgical, analgesic, and anesthetic support or advice to researchers.
• Manage all aspects of the veterinary animal research program and DCM including animal care operations, facilities, and budgets ensuring uniform policies and procedures across all facilities and laboratories.
• Lead a high-performing staff of veterinarians, veterinary techs, and facilities operations staff. Assure that all veterinary staff has the experience, training, and expertise necessary to evaluate the health and wellbeing of the species used at the institution.
• The Institutional Attending Veterinarian/the AVC serves as a liaison between the university and regulatory agencies concerned with the care and use of animals. Participate in site visits/consultations by external oversight organizations and collaborators. Assist in assuring facility and researcher compliance with NIH/OLAW/USDA guidelines, AAALAC requirements, and all animal welfare regulatory agencies. Work closely with the IACUC to assure the effective oversight and assessment of the animal care and use program.
• Lead and facilitate, in collaboration with the Operations & Facilities Management Department, long-term planning for the animal care and use program including the design, renovation and utilization of facilities and other necessary resources.
• Oversee the Animal Occupational Health and Safety program in conjunction with other key institutional programs to assure a safe and healthy workplace.
• Collaborate with IACUC to provide training to all university researchers in the proper care and use of research animals in accordance with regulations, sponsor requirements and University policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of best practices for conducting animal research.
• Fosters positive relationships with all stakeholders including schools, departments, faculty, and research team members.
• Leads and delegates effectively to a diverse staff including veterinarians, vet techs, and staff who manage and work in the facilities.
• Manages complex animal research space in a multi-site environment. Leads growth and expansion plans working with internal and external partners.
• Facilitates positive change and fosters a culture of continuous quality improvement.
• Recruits and develops veterinarians, managers, and supervisors and ensures proper staffing levels are maintained at all levels.
• Interacts effectively with the compliance and administrative groups, including the IACUC, Operations & Facilities, IBC, Grants, Contracts, and SPA.
• Knowledge of USDA regulations, The Guide, and the AAALAC accreditation process, with the ability to apply those standards for multiple species.
• Represents the university to external partners with a high level of professionalism.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to delegate in a collaborative manner.
• Excels in strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to respond to and manage crises as needed.
• Holds the highest standards of integrity and ethics in both performance and behavior; ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Experience leading growth and renovation plans of multi-site animal laboratory operations within a large organization.

Required Qualifications

• Veterinary medical degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited or approved veterinary medical college or school, or passage of the Foreign Veterinarian Equivalency Examination.
• Currently licensed in a State and eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine and to obtain controlled substance licensure in the State of Missouri.
• Board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (equivalent training and experience with board certification in another related field will be considered).
• Ten years of experience in laboratory animal medicine working in a major research university, medical center, institution, or company.
• Five years of successful leadership and administrative experience directing either a large facility or a significant component of a complex animal research program.

Grade

G00

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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