University of Virginia’s Office of Animal Welfare is seeking to fill the position of Compliance Associate. This position trains the research community in the proper and humane use of research animals and monitors the animal research program to ensure compliance with federal and institutional requirements and regulations governing the care and use of laboratory animals.

The incumbent must be comfortable working with research animals, interacting with the research community in a positive and supportive way, and have a strong commitment to the welfare of animals used in research, teaching, and testing.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Post-approval monitoring of protocols to ensure that the use of animals follows protocol, federal regulations, and institutional policies and procedures.

• Assist with delivery of the training program designed to educate the research community through seminar support, hands-on workshops, and individualized training.

• Work closely with the Director to investigate issues of non-compliance, animal welfare concerns, and serious adverse events.

• Assist with the semi-annual inspection and program review process and triennial accreditation process

• Assist with the controlled substance program with respect to research animals.

• Readily take on additional tasks as necessary to support strategic planning initiatives and provide exceptional customer service.

Ideal candidates will possess the following:

• A strong commitment to the welfare of animals used in research, teaching, and testing and experience in the care and use of research animals

• Demonstrated competency of (required to perform):

  • Animal handling and restraint of research animals.

  • Identification of humane endpoints and normal animal behaviors.

  • Performing (on rodents): oral gavage; breeding colony management (breeding, weaning, genotyping, identification methods); euthanasia; and multiple routes of substance administration and blood collection.

• Experience performing aseptic surgery on rodents.

• Knowledge of animal facility operations and an understanding of common laboratory procedures.

• Ability to read and understand research protocols, regulations, and policies.

• Ability to train others to perform the procedures detailed competency list.

• Possess keen attention to detail.

• Interpersonal skills that are diplomatic, tactful, cooperative, and supportive in nature.

• Ability to diffuse adversarial interactions in a firm but diplomatic manner

• Excellent written communication and verbal fluency with the terminology of biomedical basic science research and laboratory techniques used in animal research.

• Ability to interact effectively, appropriately, and professionally with diverse research community including research staff, students, and faculty.

• Possess excellent organizational skills to schedule and perform multiple projects simultaneously with changing priorities.

• Maintain work schedule and work both independently (unsupervised) and as a team member while also maintaining confidentiality.

• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and web-based applications; familiarity with University online protocol system, and website development and related software preferred.

Preferred abilities:

• Experience in care and use of research animals in an academic setting within a PHS Assured and/or AAALAC accredited institution.

• Experience training individuals to perform laboratory animal research techniques (handling, procedures, surgery).

• Familiarity with animal research compliance, investigations, audits, and post-approval monitoring.

• Working knowledge of federal regulations and University policies, and accepted standards regarding animal care and use in research, teaching, and testing.

• Demonstrated competency in performing advanced techniques such as ocular injections, IV catheters, rodent timed mating, and sophisticated breeding methods (colony management systems).

• Surgical competence with rodent models including intracranial injections, headset placement, implants, tumor production, and jugular catheters.

• Previous research laboratory experience.

• Superior critical thinking and writing abilities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline; degree in biology or related science is preferred.

• Experience: 5 years of relative experience; 5-7 years in a position related to animal research is preferred.

• Vaccination and Health Screening: This position requires compliance with UVA Health Policy OCH-002.

• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license with zero or positive points balance is required.

• Licenses or Certification (preferred): AALAS Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Physical Demands: Job requires ability to sit and or stand for prolonged periods and frequent walking for facility inspections and training. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease. Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Application Instructions:

Please apply through Workday and search for R0042733; Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Online application must include the following documents:

• CV/Resume

• Cover Letter (letter should specifically address your interest in this position and outline relevant skills and experience, including specific surgical and technical experience based on species.)

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, at js9rk@virginia.edu.

Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a health screening and a background check per university policy.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.