Trainer - Division of Animal Resources

About the role

The Trainer supports the Division of Animal Resources (DAR) by developing, delivering, and evaluating comprehensive training programs for personnel involved in the care and use of laboratory animals. This role ensures all husbandry, technical, and compliance-related procedures are performed consistently, competently, and in alignment with institutional policies, IACUC requirements, AAALAC standards, and federal regulations. May involve rotating schedules or occasional weekend/holiday support.

Responsibilities

• Training & Instruction: Develop and deliver training for new and existing staff in animal husbandry, facility operations, sanitation, enrichment, and species-specific care; provide training for routine and specialized procedures, including health checks, handling/restraint, feeding, watering, and environmental monitoring; instruct staff on SOPs, safety protocols, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures; conduct competency assessments and maintain documentation of training completion and proficiency; offer targeted training when performance gaps or compliance issues are identified.
• Program Development & Quality Assurance: Partner with management, veterinary staff, and IACUC to ensure training materials reflect current standards and regulatory expectations; assist in developing and updating training manuals, checklists, videos, and digital modules for the AALAS learning library; participate in sanitation verification, room inspections, and process audits; support AAALAC site visit preparation by ensuring training records and staff competencies meet standards.
• Operational Support: Provide guidance on best practices and troubleshoot animal care challenges for husbandry and technical staff; assist with new staff orientation regarding facility layout, workflows, and expectations; partner with supervisors to identify training needs based on performance trends or new equipment; support initiatives to build a flexible workforce across multiple facilities.
• Communication & Collaboration: Work with Vivarium Managers, Veterinary Technicians, and Research Support teams to align training expectations; foster a culture of learning, accountability, and animal welfare through professional communication at all levels; participate in meetings and working groups related to training and compliance.

Core knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Leadership & coaching: Guides others with clarity, patience, and confidence.
• Attention to detail: Ensures accuracy in training and documentation.
• Animal welfare focus: Commitment to humane care and ethical research.
• Adaptability: Adjusts approaches to meet diverse learning styles and facility needs.
• Problem-solving: Identifies gaps and implements practical solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, or a related field (equivalent experience considered); previous work with laboratory animals in a research or academic environment; strong understanding of animal husbandry, enrichment, sanitation, facility operations, and regulatory frameworks (IACUC, USDA, OLAW, AAALAC); excellent teaching and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide constructive feedback; demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Preferred: AALAS certification (LAT, LATG, CMAR, or MLAS); experience with rodents plus additional species (rabbits, swine, etc.); knowledge of adult learning principles; several years of training or teaching experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid annual and holiday leave
• Generous tuition benefits
• Retirement planning and savings options, including tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs
• Employee discounts
• Well-being resources
• Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement

Pay & schedule

• Salary range: $60,000–$67,000
• Hours per week: 40
• Fully onsite