Research Quality Assurance Specialist

The University of Virginia is currently seeking a compliance professional to join the Office of Animal Welfare as a Research Quality Assurance Specialist.  This position is responsible for executing one of the primary missions of the Office of Animal Welfare, promoting animal welfare and regulatory compliance while facilitating communication between the research community and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

The successful candidate must be comfortable working with research animals and have a strong commitment to the welfare of animals used in research, teaching, and testing.  Duties include monitoring the animal research program to ensure compliance and consistency with federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and accreditation standards governing the care and use of laboratory animals.  The monitoring takes the form of laboratory post-approval meetings, for-cause (compliance) inspections, unanticipated adverse event evaluation, and investigations of animal welfare concerns. The position relies heavily on keen observational and assessment skills in order to perform objective investigations and identify potential deviations based on a thorough understanding of IACUC policies and federal/state regulations. Incumbent must have the ability to independently initiate and compose comprehensive correspondence with researchers to accurately reflect findings or potential issues of non-compliance while also communicating in an unbiased manner the results of investigations and visits with the Director of the Office of Animal Welfare. The Quality Assurance Specialist is also responsible for ensuring that corrective actions are implemented and followed.

As a subject-matter expert, the incumbent will engage in education and outreach programs in the form of website maintenance, newsletter development, policy and compliance training, and by serving as an additional trainer in hands-on workshops. The position provides a strong supportive role in semi-annual inspection and program review activities and the accreditation process. Have the ability to readily take on additional tasks as necessary to support strategic planning initiatives and provide exceptional customer service.

Required Relative Experience:

• Working knowledge of applicable federal regulations, guidance documents, and policies governing animal care and use.

• Ability to read and comprehend complex scientific animal research protocols and procedures to provide thorough, concise, and accurate review or incident investigation.

• Working knowledge of rodent handing, restraint, and common biomethodology techniques.

• Working knowledge of aseptic technique and surgery.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in an animal research post-approval or compliance position.

• In depth knowledge of regulations and guidance documents governing animal research at a PHS-Assured and/or AAALAC-accredited academic institution.

• Familiarity with online animal use protocol management or compliance systems.

• Previous experience working in research laboratory involving animal models.

Required Qualifications/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal fluency with basic biomedical and laboratory animal research terminology.

• Adept at navigating challenging issues and adversarial interactions with a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy, and tact.  Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to develop and foster a supportive and cooperative rapport with researchers from diverse backgrounds with varying language skills.

• Adept at writing concise, detail orientated, professional communications.

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

• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in related scientific discipline required. Advanced degree in relevant subject area preferred. 

• Experience: At least five years of relevant experience with the care and use of research animals required.  Prefer 5-7 years of experience with the care and use of research animals in an AAALAC-accredited academic institution.  Previous experience in animal research post-approval or compliance position strongly preferred.

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

• Preferred Licenses or Certification: LATG, CPIA eligible

Anticipated Salary Range:  $80,000 - $95,000 annually. Actual starting salary will be commensurate with experience. 

This is a full-time position with UVA benef