Assistant Director, Facilities & Operations

About the role

The University of Virginia’s Center for Comparative Medicine is seeking an Assistant Director, Facilities & Operations. This position works closely with the Attending Veterinarian/Executive Director of the Center for Comparative Medicine to provide executive oversight of facilities, husbandry, equipment, transportation, and operational support services across all vivaria on Grounds.

Responsibilities

• Providing executive oversight of facilities and operations for all Center for Comparative Medicine vivaria on Grounds.
• Supervising the Senior Vivarium Operations Managers and Equipment/Transportation Manager, while supporting operational leadership, staff development, performance management, and accountability within those teams.
• Overseeing daily husbandry and vivarium support operations to ensure high-quality animal care, operational consistency, and effective service delivery across facilities.
• Directing facility operations related to sanitation, cage wash, equipment flow, traffic patterns, space utilization, environmental conditions, and operational readiness.
• Overseeing equipment management programs, including preventive maintenance, repair coordination, equipment lifecycle planning, inventory management, and replacement strategy for husbandry and vivarium support equipment.
• Overseeing transportation and logistics programs related to animal movement, supply distribution, equipment transport, and other operational support needs.
• Working closely with the Attending Veterinarian/Executive Director to support facility planning, renovations, capital improvements, startup of new research programs, and response to infrastructure or operational issues.
• Coordinating with Facilities Management, Environmental Health and Safety, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely maintenance, repair, construction, and operational support of vivarium spaces.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of disaster preparedness, business continuity, and emergency response plans for vivarium operations.
• Supporting biosecurity, access control, quarantine, and operational practices that protect animal health and the integrity of the research environment.
• Assisting with the development, review, revision, and implementation of standard operating procedures, workflows, and training programs related to husbandry, sanitation, equipment, transportation, and facility operations.
• Monitoring operational compliance with USDA regulations, PHS Policy, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and AAALAC standards as they relate to facilities, operations, and husbandry.
• Supporting inspections, site visits, post-inspection corrective actions, and other quality assurance or accreditation activities.
• Assisting with operational budget planning, expenditures, equipment procurement, supply management, and resource allocation related to vivarium operations.
• Partnering with veterinary, husbandry, and research teams to identify operational needs and implement practical, compliant, and efficient solutions.
• Participating in leadership meetings, strategic planning, and other institutional initiatives relevant to comparative medicine operations.
• Providing functional leadership for vivarium operations in the absence of the Attending Veterinarian/Executive Director, as delegated.

Requirements

• Education: GED/High School Diploma or higher required.
• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience working with laboratory animals and 3+ years managing laboratory animal staff.
• Licensure/Certifications: LAT level certification through American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or higher.
• Vaccination: This position requires compliance with UVA Health Policy OCH-002.

Qualifications

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience managing multiple operational units, supervisors, or managers in a complex animal research program.
• Licensure/Certifications: Certification such as CMAR, LATG or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience working with laboratory animals and 3+ years managing laboratory animal staff (residency years qualify).
• Licensure/Certifications: Licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the United States. Ability to obtain Virginia license within 6-months.
• Board certification through the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
• Vaccination: This position requires compliance with UVA Health Policy OCH-002.

Skills

• Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to document clearly.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull 20–50 lbs.

Benefits

The anticipated salary range is $115,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The University of Virginia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.