Director, Research Compliance-Animal Research and Safety

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Integrity and Compliance, the Director of Research Compliance (IDRC) will provide leadership and oversight of activities to ensure compliance with federal regulatory and University policies involving research. The Director will oversee the facilitation and support of research reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Animal Care Services (ACS) at the UCHC, Storrs, and regional campuses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides day-to-day operational oversight of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Animal Care Services (ACS for the UCHC, Storrs, and regional campuses.
• Assist in moving complex issues to resolution by working with key stakeholders to determine concerns, provide guidance, bridge understanding, and reach conclusions; develop and maintain positive relationships with collaborating organizations, and act as a liaison with federal and state agencies.
• Establish and implement short and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitor and evaluate operational effectiveness and affect changes required for improvement.
• Supervises staff, sets priorities and functional standards, giving direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer satisfaction; designs, implements, and evaluates organizational and staffing models to effectively accomplish the goals and objectives of the program.
• Maintain current knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines in order to interpret and apply as required; oversee the writing and updating of policies and participate in and provide related education and training.
• Work closely with Institutional leadership to ensure compliance with the ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the AALAC accreditation process under the direction of the AVP, including revisions to policies, procedures, and other documents necessary to support the reaccreditation process. 
• Design, develop, implement, evaluate, and modify technical and administrative committee review processes and internal research auditing policies, protocols, systems, and procedures.
• Work with appropriate internal resources to analyze data prepare and present audit reports and summaries, and provide feedback to the Institutional Official/Designee, researchers, and the appropriate office as appropriate.
• Identify educational needs of researchers, based on audit data and other information; oversee the development and delivery of targeted training programs and materials based on review and audit results, as well as on changes to legislative, statutory, and/or University requirements; ensure stakeholder compliance with all training requirements. 
• Assist with specific inquiries related to scientific misconduct and/or other related non-compliance issues, as requested.
• Establishes, updates/maintains internal operating procedures; assures proper maintenance of systems and records. Provides analysis and advocates for appropriate resources.
• Participates in internal and external inspections and works closely with Associate Vice President/Cognizant Officer in the preparation of related reports and communications.
• Serves as a member of the IACUC, and other compliance boards/committees, and provides oversight/assurance of related activities, including member appointments, scheduling of meetings, selection of protocols for full board reviews, preparation of meeting materials (agendas, summaries, minutes), distribution of decisions.
• Perform related duties as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in an appropriate field.
2. At least 8 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified with at least three of those years in a supervisory role.
3. Extensive knowledge of protocols and Federal regulations regarding the use and care of animals and Biosafety in the conduct of research.
4. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate compliance issues and enforce compliance standards and requirements across constituencies.
5. Demonstrated ability to assess risk and exercise sound judgment in the interpretation and application of policies.
6. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
7. Ability to multitask and work effectively within tight timelines and deadline pressure.
8. Considerable critical thinking, problem solving crisis management, and decision-making abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advance