This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Job Summary

The Director of the Office of Animal Research Compliance (OARC) will lead and manage the institution's animal compliance program, ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. This position will support the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and provide expert guidance to the research and teaching community on issues related to animal use activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance and Oversight:

• Ensure that animal activities are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and that those activities are subsequently conducted in accordance with international, federal, state, and local regulations and guidance, adhering to funding agency-specific guidelines, and aligned with institutional policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership and support to the IACUC Chair, committee members, and OARC staff on ethical principles, laws, regulations, policies, and processes regarding the review and conduct of animal use in research and teaching contexts.
• Coordinate and improve processes involving the conduct of semi-annual facility inspections and generation of reports to the Institutional Official (IO) and relevant campus units that manage animal facilities.
• Assist with post-approval monitoring of IACUC-approved animal activities in coordination with Animal Care Program (ACP) administrators and staff.
• Serve as a primary contact for external regulatory bodies and manage required communication channels, including generating annual compliance reports within purview of the IACUC.
• Coordinate with other institutional offices to ensure proper documentation for subawards and memoranda of understanding involving IACUC-approved animal use activities.
• Collaborate with administrators and staff under the OVCRI’s oversight and with other University administrative units to ensure compliance with regulations and support of the University’s mission and objectives.

IACUC Support and Management:

• Act as a non-voting member of the IACUC, providing expert guidance on protocol reviews and compliance issues.
• Oversee the development and implementation of IACUC/OARC policies and procedures.
• Manage the IACUC weekly review list by curating protocols, communicating with PIs, and keeping the IACUC Chair informed of required actions.
• Identify and coordinate enhancements to the protocol review process to improve efficiency and compliance for OARC staff, IACUC reviewers, and campus research and teaching personnel.
• Oversee protocol management by IACUC Specialists, coordinate communication between reviewers and PIs, and follow up with other campus compliance organizations to meet all regulatory requirements prior to approval of IACUC protocols.
• Manage IACUC meeting minutes and distribute for review by the OARC team ahead of each monthly meeting, and coordinate correspondence with PIs on tasks requested by the IACUC.
• Coordinate protocol termination/expiration follow-ups with PIs.
• Evaluate the IACUC protocol review process and functionality of the IACUC online protocol system on a regular basis and coordinate technical updates as needed.
• Manage adverse event processing to ensure the workflow is completed for each report received.
• Assist with adoption processes involving research and teaching animals in conjunction with the ACP.

Organizational Leadership and Management:

• Manage OARC and IACUC processes and operations for review, approval, and post-approval monitoring of animal use activities in research and teaching.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the OARC, including direct supervision of personnel and managing daily operations of the office.
• Oversee hiring, training, oversight, and performance reviews of OARC personnel and manage the OARC team by fostering a professional and knowledgeable environment.
• Ensure a positive working environment that encourages productivity, retention, and professional development.
• Maintain communication with a professional network of IACUC administrators at other institutions, including through the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
• Maintain close administrative coordination with ACP leadership to ensure seamless communication and engagement with this complementary organization.

Training, Outreach, and Customer Service:

• Support ongoing training and professional development opportunities for the OARC team and the animal research and teaching community.
• Develop and deliver required training programs for faculty, students, and staff conducting animal-related activities.
• Offer exceptional customer service to faculty and research teams, assisting them in navigating animal compliance regulations.
• Evaluate and improve turnaround times for service inquiries and requests.
• Monitor and continually update informational resources available on the OARC/IACUC website.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and cooperative working relationships with university administrators, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities

• Engage in continuing education and professional development activities to improve knowledge of technical and ethical aspects of animal use in research and teaching contexts.
• Serve on University and campus committees as requested.
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in a typical office setting, but hybrid work arrangement may be possible.
• Will require entering various laboratory environments and animal facilities with indirect exposure to animals and related allergens.
• Occasional work outside of normal hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, in case of emergencies or critical compliance issues.
• May involve some travel to attend conferences, training, or to perform facility inspections.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science discipline or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position
• Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA)
• At least 5 years of general experience in animal research compliance or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience with IACUC protocol review, laboratory inspections, and regulatory compliance
• At least 3 years of experience in managing, supervising, and supporting a team
• At least 3 years of experience working with international, federal, and state regulations related to animal research (e.g., USDA, OLAW, and AAALACi)
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and administrative skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant science discipline or related field
• Completion of leadership and/or supervisory skills training courses
• At least 3 years of direct experience as an IACUC administrator or Attending Veterinarian
• At least 3 years of experience in a university or academic research and teaching setting
• Demonstrated experience working with a variety of species, including biomedical and agricultural animals used in research and teaching

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding the care and use of animals in research and teaching (e.g., USDA, OLAW, AAALACi)
• In-depth understanding of IACUC functions, processes, and requirements
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external regulatory bodies
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and direction
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet concurrent deadlines
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to keep knowledge and skills current

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $90,000 - $120,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Monday, October 21, 2024. Apply for this position at this application link and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through the above link will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart (217-333-0034). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.