Laboratory Animal Services Operations Manager

About the Role

Oversee the biomedical research facility operation of approximately 10,000 cages (40,000 sq. ft.) of laboratory animals on campus across two buildings and five facilities. Serve as the primary interface with the Director of Laboratory Animal Services, campus facilities, construction project managers, third-party vendors, and federal regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with federal regulations in a biomedical research setting. Directly and indirectly manage 29-30 facility staff to maintain high standards in training, husbandry, and facility operations. This is an essential employee position.

Responsibilities

• Interact respectively with all investigators and lab members routinely to ensure successful outcomes of research animal studies.
• Lead interactions with union husbandry staff and leadership.
• Manage animal supervisory staff and drive initiatives and improvements within husbandry operations.
• Collaborate closely with veterinary staff to support the health, maintenance, and care of laboratory animals.
• Write, review, and develop departmental policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Develop and oversee the departmental training and education program according to established SOPs.
• Manage and assign space for laboratory animals.
• Work closely with the Business Manager supporting both the business office and Office of Research Administration.
• Procure all capital equipment and supplies for the laboratory animal facilities.
• Coordinate contractual maintenance programs for specialized industrial equipment (e.g., sterilizers, cage washers) with the TJU Maintenance Department.
• Attend facility construction project update meetings, representing the department’s best interests and the welfare of the animals.
• Serve as a liaison with Jefferson University Facilities on current, aging, and future infrastructure through frequent rounds, meetings, and collaborations.

Requirements

• Understanding of federal regulations governing biomedical research, such as The Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, PHS Policy, and the Animal Welfare Act.
• Knowledge of biomedical research facility-specific equipment, including tunnel and rack washers, various rodent and USDA cage types, and automated facility systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels within the institution, from animal care staff to department chairs, on critical issues pertaining to research support.
• Critical thinking skills to address facility emergencies, customized goals from stakeholders, and employee deployment.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma/GED (required); Bachelor’s Degree (preferred).
• Experience: 5 years of progressively responsible experience in laboratory animal research facility operations, including regulatory compliance, accreditation, regulatory site visit preparation, and supervisory experience.

Skills

• Proficient and professional etiquette in email and phone communication.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and cage card managing systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, and accreditation standards governing laboratory animal care and use.
• Knowledge of laboratory animal facility operations, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure, including cage processing systems, automated environmental controls, animal housing systems, and related support equipment.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex operational challenges, assess risks, and develop effective solutions in dynamic and high-pressure environments.
• Strategic planning and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, allocate resources, and support evolving research and institutional needs.
• Knowledge of personnel management practices, including staff development, performance management, workforce planning, and labor relations.

Certifications (Preferred)

• LATG – Laboratory Animal Technologist (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science).
• LAT – Laboratory Animal Technician (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science).
• CMAR – Certified Manager of Animal Resources (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science).

Schedule

Workday Day (United States of America)

Benefits

Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including:

• Medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement plans.
• Tuition assistance and discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full-time service or two years of part-time service.
• Voluntary benefits, providing access to group rates on insurance and discounts.

All colleagues, including those who work less than part-time (e.g., per diem colleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.