Executive Director for Animal Research Training & Compliance

The University of Virginia's Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is seeking a Executive Director for Animal Research Training & Compliance committed to ethical animal research and a high standard of animal welfare. This role is essential in fostering a culture of integrity, innovation, and excellence within the institution, ensuring the well-being of research animals while advancing scientific discovery. This position will work closely with the University's Attending Veterinarian to support ongoing animal research on Grounds. The position is multifaceted involving administrative, regulatory, and clinical/training activities. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the directors within the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, compliance, training and scientific integrity. The individual will also play a role in supporting the clinical and veterinary operations of the Center for Comparative Medicine and contribute to the education and training of veterinary residents in the ACLAM-recognized laboratory animal medicine residency program.

Initial appointment to this position will be for a three-year term but is renewable based on satisfactory performance and ongoing availability of funds.

Key Responsibilities-

Leadership & Strategic Planning:

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking strategic plan that enhances the institution's animal care and use program and aligns with organizational goals.

• Lead initiatives to continually improve animal welfare, research compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Provide visionary leadership that fosters a culture of excellence, transparency, and collaboration within the facilities and across the institution.

• Develop and maintain a budget for the OAW and ACUC offices.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, including AAALAC accreditation, USDA regulations, and NIH OLAW (Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare) assurance.

• Serve as the institution's point of contact for federal regulatory agencies, providing guidance and updates on regulatory changes.

• Oversee the preparation and submission of accreditation materials, audits, inspections, and necessary corrective actions.

Oversight of Office of Animal Welfare & IACUC:

• Provide leadership to the Directors' for the Office of Animal Welfare and ACUC, ensuring robust support for the institution's research programs.

• Guide the ACUC to ensure proper protocol review, facility inspections, and training of investigators and staff.

• Act as a resource for ACUC members and investigators on complex regulatory issues and ethical considerations regarding animal research.

• Assist with the identification and recruitment of ACUC members.

Clinical Support for Comparative Medicine:

• Occasionally provide clinical veterinary expertise and support to the Center for Comparative Medicine in emergency situations, ensuring the highest standards of animal health and welfare.

Education & Training:

• Serve as a key faculty member within the CCM ACLAM-recognized laboratory animal medicine residency program, contributing to the education and mentorship of residents and junior veterinarians.

• Deliver lectures, lead hands-on training, and mentor residents in clinical care, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations in laboratory animal medicine.

• Promote continuing education and professional development opportunities for veterinary and research staff.

Program Development & Enhancement:

• Drive initiatives to enhance the institution's animal care and use program, incorporating the latest advancements in laboratory animal medicine and welfare.

• Engage in outreach and partnerships with other institutions, fostering collaborations to advance the field of comparative medicine.

• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in laboratory animal care and veterinary medicine.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Master's degree; DVM, PhD or equivalent strongly preferred.

• Experience: At least 10 years' experience.

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

Preferred Requirements

• Education: DVM, PhD or equivalent.

• Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience working in laboratory animal medicine and federal regulations.

• Licensure/Certifications: Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA) preferred (not required)

• Proven leadership in a research institution or academic setting, with a strong background in regulatory compliance and animal welfare stakeholders (i.e., AAALAC, OLAW, USDA).

• Exceptional strategic planning and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated experience with IACUC oversight and management.

• Strong teaching and mentoring abilities, preferably in an ACLAM-recognized residency program.

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Demands: Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling/bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

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

Application Instructions: Please apply online and search for R0067435; internal applicants must apply through their Workday profile by searching "Find UVA Jobs". Include the following REQUIRED documents:

• CV/Resume

• Personal Statement of Interest

• Letter of Recommendation

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter.

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, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.