Job Summary Leads the campus Animal Care Program to develop and implement programs for the provision of comprehensive care and management of laboratory and agricultural animals. The Director of the Animal Care Program will also serve as the Attending Veterinarian for Laboratory Animals and will supervise the Attending Veterinarian for Agricultural Animals. The Director of the Animal Care Program may be also appointed as, or would work closely with, the Institutional Veterinarian and should meet qualifications for a faculty appointment with the College of Veterinary Medicine. In all responsibilities, continuously innovate to improve services for and the conditions of the university research community.
Duties & Responsibilities
Serve as Director of the Animal Care Program: Responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and administration of the ACP, which has the oversight responsibility for laboratory and agricultural animals used in research, teaching, and production. This includes shared responsibility for Illinois compliance with federal and state animal care regulations and assuring that all necessary records are maintained. Leads, manages, and directs ACP veterinarians and staff, including supervision and mentoring, task assignment, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, and career and professional development planning. Leads and directs budget and resource planning and fiscal management activities with staff. Encourages and leads a strong commitment to diversity through establishing retention and recruiting priorities, as well as personally exhibiting a commitment to inclusion. Reviews and approves the purchase of USDA-regulated species in collaboration with other units as needed. Oversight of facilities, housing and management for laboratory animals. Provides oversight of veterinary care for agricultural animals in close collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Serve as the Attending Veterinarian for Laboratory Animals: Has oversight of veterinary care of animals used in research and teaching. Elements of a veterinary care program include access to animals and periodic assessment of animal well-being; appropriate facilities, personnel, equipment, and services for laboratory animals; treatment of diseases and injuries; the availability of emergency, weekend and holiday care; guidelines for animal procurement and transportation; preventive medicine; presurgical planning, training, monitoring, and postsurgical care; drug storage and control.
Serve as a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and contribute to the OVCRI leadership team through service on various committees and task forces and through other responsibilities as assigned.
Oversight of campus-wide Occupational Safety and Health Program: Provide oversight for Animal Users and programs and provisions of comprehensive veterinary care. Includes pre-placement medical evaluation; identification of hazards and safeguards; appropriate testing and vaccinations; personnel training; policies and facilities that promote cleanliness; provisions for treating and documenting job-related injuries and illnesses; input into design or selection of relevant facilities, equipment, and procedures; good personal hygiene practices in animal rooms and laboratories; and personal protective equipment.
Minimum Qualifications: D.V.M. or equivalent degree from an AVMA-accredited program. At least seven years in a leadership role (Assistant Director or higher or the equivalent experience) in a large, complex research animal care and use program. Knowledge of and experience with an animal based occupational health and safety program. Knowledge of and experience with the AAALAC International Accreditation process. Diplomate, American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, and licensure to practice veterinary medicine in at least one state.
Preferred Qualifications: At least five years of research experience, especially as a PI or co-PI. Knowledge and experience with at least one of the following types of facilities: rodent gnotobiotic facility, transgenic mouse core facility, and/or animal biosafety level 2 facility. Knowledge and experience commensurate with a faculty appointment in the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have the knowledge, experience and ability to ensure compliance with USDA standards and the Animal Welfare Act, The Guide for the Care & Use of Laboratory Animals, The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, NIH Public Health Service Policy, FDA GLP regulations, DEA Regulations, AAALAC guidelines, and all state, county and city rules and regulations. Candidates must have a demonstrated understanding of research methodology, principles, and procedures. Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/3/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include 1) a cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a resume/curriculum vitae and 3) names/contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart (lewin@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a global, preeminent research university. Since its founding in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching and public engagement.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.