Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Non Classified - Grade NA

Department/Organization: 702106 - Animal Care Facility

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm; evening & weekend hours as necessary

Note to Applicants: The planned start date is Jan 1, 2024 but is negotiable. This is an open, national, and rolling search. Review of applications will begin immediately as they are received. Candidates meeting all the required qualifications may be contacted immediately for inquiry and interview. It is possible that a preferred candidate may be selected as other applications are still being received. Therefore, the most serious and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible. To receive the fullest and timely consideration, applications should be submitted prior to Nov 20, 2023; however, the position will remain open until filled. Applications submitted after Nov 20, 2023, will be reviewed and considered if the position remains unfilled. Application materials should include: 1) a full and updated resume; 2) cover letter summarizing interest in the position, how the minimum qualifications and any preferred qualifications are met, and details of progressive growth in the field of research compliance; and 3) a list of four references with full contact information. However, references will only be contacted after written consent of the candidate.

Job Summary: The Director of Animal Care Facilities (ACF) & Attending Veterinarian (AV) is responsible for the oversight of the ACF’s veterinary medical and surgical programs to ensure conditions and documentation vital to the well-being of animals are continuously met and in place in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, as implemented through the Department of Agriculture regulations and, for federally funded research, the U.S. Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Additional Department Summary: The Director of Animal Care Facilities & Attending Veterinarian (Director ACF/AV) is an integral role in an R1 operation heavily regulated by federal mandates. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research & Economic Development (VPRED) the Director ACF/AV is responsible for the direction and oversight of the ACF. This includes direct supervision of the Research Animal Care Facility Manager, as well as overseeing the ordering, transporting, receiving, husbandry, and propagation of all animals. The Director ACF/AV has the technical and professional oversight of all animal care and use functions involving laboratory animals.

Serves as the Veterinarian of Record (Attending Veterinarian) providing technical, regulatory, and clinical support to all research programs at the site. Provides direct support to study directors in protocol design, animal disease model development, surgical services, and animal health evaluations. Provides assistance to study directors on sponsor-related issues including direct contact with sponsors as required.

Provides laboratory animal care and veterinary support to research faculty and staff. Overseeing the daily operations of Animal Care Facilities (ACF) and ACF staff, provides leadership to ensure that institutional, staff, and researcher needs and goals are met. The Director ACF/AV is responsible for the emergence of innovative programs, services, and facilities while meeting all institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. Works closely with researchers, research staff members, and serves on the IACUC.

The Director ACF/AV is responsible for establishing and monitoring all animal care and use standards, providing oversight of the program to assure medical care of all animals, including diagnosis and treatment of disease, preventative medicine, health monitoring, and quarantine. Provides clinical and surgical care of research animals, directs the animal health surveillance program, and oversees the importation, exportation, and quarantine of animals from non-commercial sources; animal studies requiring special containment; and the animal enrichment program. Ensures that animals within the facility are maintained according to all applicable rules and regulations, including assigning tasks for facility operation, ensuring that animals are housed, fed, and watered according to specific needs as outlined by the various research protocols, inspecting animals for possible health problems, and documenting all of the above in the manner required by the various regulatory agencies.

The Attending Veterinarian, working in conjunction with the IACUC and Research Compliance, is responsible for maintaining AAALAC International accreditation and assuring compliance with all federal, state, university and related current animal welfare laws and regulations.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Doctoral degree (D.V.M./V.M.D.) in Veterinary Medicine from an AVMA accredited institution. A minimum of eight years of progressive management/administrative experience in a large research animal facility is required; holds a license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States; at least five years of experience in laboratory animal medicine; controlled substance Registration Certificate for the US DEA.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong proficiency in computer skills is required, including but not limited to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and database software. Must demonstrate excellence in communication skills and written and verbal reporting. Extensive knowledge of all equipment used in the care and research of animals including animal housing systems, cage wash systems to perform sanitation, autoclave systems to provide sterilization, and biological safety cabinets. An understanding of HVAC systems within the facilities is important, as to identify and report problems to maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications: American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Board Certification and AALAS Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) certification or Diplomate Status and 10 years of related experience. USDA accreditation.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

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