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 benefits. Employee benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 18 paid holidays each year; in addition to paid time off; parental and community service leave

• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs

• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System

• Tuition and professional development benefits

• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

Selected candidates will be required to pass a background check and health screen.

Physical Demands: Job requires the ability to sit and or stand for prolonged periods and frequent walking for facility inspections or visits. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs. May be required to handle animals exposed to chemical or biohazardous materials. Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Position Location: Expectation is that this position will work in an on UVA Grounds office environment and will be required to regularly visit laboratories and animal facilities across Grounds for individual outreach, meetings, monitoring visits and inspections.

Application Instructions:

Apply online and search for requisition R0057225. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:

• CV/Resume

• Cover Letter - specifically addressing your interest in this position and relevant experience including experience based on species.

**Please note that you MUST upload ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS into the CV/Resume box, into which multiple documents can be uploaded. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. ***

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, at js9rk@virginia.edu.

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.