Animal Program Compliance Specialist

About the role

The Animal Program Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program, responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive post-approval monitoring (PAM) program that ensures ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing animal research. This position serves as a subject matter expert on animal research compliance, providing consultation and guidance to investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on regulatory requirements and best practices. Reporting to the Director of the IACUC Office, this role works collaboratively with the IACUC, the Department of Animal Resources, and the research community to promote a culture of compliance, animal welfare, and scientific integrity.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve the post-approval monitoring program, including systems for tracking monitoring activities, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up.
• Conduct onsite laboratory compliance assessments and lead semiannual facility inspections; investigate non-compliance, adverse events, and animal welfare concerns and prepare findings and corrective action plans for IACUC review.
• Advise investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC standards; represent the institution during regulatory inspections and accreditation visits.
• Perform administrative and regulatory review of IACUC protocols and amendments across the lifecycle, including grant congruence, and maintain documentation supporting audits and institutional reporting.
• Serve as a trusted compliance partner to faculty and PIs; collaborate with the Department of Animal Resources to deliver training and outreach, and mentor IACUC staff and committee members.
• Contribute to program strategy, develop institutional policies and SOPs, and identify process improvements and new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, that strengthen compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or another science field required.
• 5–7 years of regulatory compliance administration and/or laboratory animal experience, with demonstrated expertise in post-approval monitoring or IACUC program management.
• Well-versed in federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC International standards; able to provide authoritative guidance on regulatory interpretation and application.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to build credible working relationships with faculty, administration, and research staff.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; able to manage multiple priorities, design program systems, and present data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Proficiency with electronic protocol management systems; familiarity with process improvement methodologies and emerging compliance technologies preferred.
• CPIA, LATG, LAT, or ALAT certification preferred.
• Familiarity with IACUC semiannual inspections, USDA inspections, and AAALAC accreditation processes.

Physical Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees must be able to lift and handle equipment or materials up to 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists, and hands. The role may involve use of personal protective equipment (PPE), exposure to biohazardous materials, extended stationary periods, traversing campus as needed, operation of standard office equipment, and exposure to varying temperatures.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $105,900 to $117,000.

Benefits

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b).
• Full suite of health and welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site parking.