ARC Compliance & Training Supervisor

About The Department

The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at the University of Chicago supports animal research by ensuring humane care and proper use of all laboratory animals. It oversees all research animals on campus, manages six facilities and a business office, and includes husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, and finance/administration. The Veterinary Services 2 unit is responsible for all rodent health observation, clinical treatment and surgical/procedural assistance. The ARC is part of the Office of Shared Research Facilities, which also manages BSD core facilities.

About The Role

The ARC Compliance & Training Supervisor oversees post-approval monitoring activities, conducts surgery observations, and identifies, investigates, and resolves animal care and use compliance issues. This position is responsible for developing and managing the animal care and use training program, evaluating and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and promoting best practices in regulatory compliance and animal welfare. The supervisor serves as a key member of the Animal Welfare and Enrichment Committee, providing expertise and leadership in the development and implementation of refinement strategies that enhance the welfare of research animals. The ARC Compliance & Training Supervisor also provides direct supervision to the Veterinary Support Staff team, including performance management, coaching and development, scheduling, and time approval, while fostering a culture of compliance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Performs and supervises post-approval monitoring on rodent and exotics colonies, including rounds of each room on a regular basis.
• Ensures that various items (i.e. non-standard care, tumor, post-procedure cards, etc.) are implemented to ensure animal health.
• Responsible for monitoring protocol compliance and availability of non-standard items.
• Supervises and observes PI performed procedures and surgeries to ensure protocol compliance and aseptic technique.
• Supervises veterinary support staff, and works closely with veterinarians, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to address and resolve potential investigator compliance issues.
• Supervises and ensures the completion of facility rounds in all animal facilities, ensuring program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidelines are followed, including satellite facilities.
• Participates in the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), develops resolution of facility inspection findings by providing guidance to investigators with action plans and corrections.
• Participates in the animal welfare and enrichment committee meetings and provides guidance with the development of new ideas and concepts for the refinement of research animals.
• Responsible for the development and teaching of hands-on technique training, aseptic surgical procedure for investigators, new equipment, and IACUC and ARC required trainings.
• Responsible for the development of new training and ensuring regular reviewing/updating of current training.
• Responsible for the evaluation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring regular review of the program.
• Coordinates continuing education opportunities for staff, provides options and/or training for career advancement or professional growth within the laboratory animal science field.
• Supervises Veterinary Support Staff team. Responsible for staff assignments, training, and duties, managing performance and time approval.
• Coordinates and monitors compliance with applicable policies and procedures governing the chemical storage and waste disposal and laboratory safety.
• Acts as a lead for new personnel and may coordinate the work of others.
• Observes the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

• College or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of experience with biomedical research environment.
• 5+ years of experience in a research animal environment.
• Previous compliance and training experience in a research setting.
• Previous experience with supervision of staff.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

• AALAS certification at LATg level, CMAR eligibility.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively, oral and written, with faculty, investigators, administrators, staff and outside vendors.
• Ability to solve problems, prioritize tasks and make decisions.
• Strong computer skills.

Working Conditions

Involves a combination of mobility between work areas and time spent in stationary positions, including standing or sitting while performing assigned duties, as well as periods of seated, computer-based work.

Pay

$75,000.00 - $95,000.00

Schedule

40 hours per week

Benefits

Benefits eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.