Summary

Reporting directly to the Vice Provost and Dean of Basic Research, works under minimal supervision to oversee all aspects of animal care and use in research and teaching activities at UT Southwestern Medical Center. This includes providing leadership, management, and oversight of the Animal Resource Center (ARC), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) administrative support team; and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

Experience and Education

• A doctoral degree (D.V.M., Ph.D., or equivalent) in a relevant field such as biological sciences, veterinary medicine, or animal science.
• Certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or similar professional organization.
• Extensive experience (at least 5 years) working in a leadership role in laboratory animal science, preferably in an academic or research-intensive environment.
• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., USDA, NIH) and guidelines (e.g., Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, AVMA Guidelines) related to animal research and welfare.
• Prior experience as an ad hoc or Council on Accreditation member with AAALAC International is desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team, foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, and resolve complex issues diplomatically.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, animal welfare, and the responsible use of animals in research and teaching.

Job Duties

• Provide oversight and management of the daily operations of the animal facilities, including staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing the care and use of animals in research and teaching.
• Lead and provide oversight of IACUC administration, including administration of the IACUC's initial and continuing animal research protocol review; record-keeping; required facility inspections; post-approval monitoring programs; and compliance programs.
• Serve as a liaison between the IACUC, Animal Resource Center (ARC), Environmental Health & Safety and other departments to ensure coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness of the animal program and to resolve any conflicts.
• Lead continuous process and operational improvement initiatives to reduce cycle-times, improve overall compliance posture, and remove unnecessary administrative burdens.
• Lead and provide oversight for development and implementation of training programs for faculty, staff, and students involved in animal research and teaching activities.
• Provide scientific, regulatory, and ethical consultation to faculty, research teams, staff and IACUC members, including assistance with protocol development and feasibility assessments, in coordination with Institutional Official, Institutional Veterinarian and IACUC Chairperson.
• Collaborate with researchers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders to promote best practices in animal welfare and research ethics.
• Monitor facility conditions and animal health status and ensure implementation of corrective actions as needed.
• Stay current with advances in animal research technologies, regulations, and ethical considerations.
• Represent the institution in interactions with regulatory agencies, accrediting bodies, and external partners related to animal care and use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Work requires knowledge of relevant animal care and use regulations as they apply to UT Southwestern research activities.
• Work requires ability to ensure adherence to all policies and procedures of university.
• Work requires ability to effectively interpret and apply organizational policies, procedures, and systems.
• Work requires proven supervisory, customer service, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Work requires knowledge of personal computers as well as animal facility management software.
• Work requires ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise work of employees as necessary to ensure desired results are achieved.
• Work may require telephone and personal contact with all levels of internal and external personnel and organizations.
• Work requires ability to work with confidential information as appropriate.
• Work may require ability to monitor and maintain budget.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in general office environment and animal facilities.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status or veteran status.