Director of the Office of Animal Welfare

The Research Office at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Director of the Office of Animal Welfare.

About the Opportunity

The Director of the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) oversees OAW which provides support services to all animal use endeavors at West Virginia University. The role is to facilitate research activities by assisting investigators in meeting regulatory obligations and developing detailed plans to address animal welfare. The OAW works with and provides administrative support to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to develop policies, procedures, and resources that guide and educate the research community on the best practices for use of animals. They also serve as a primary contact for the IACUC in its collaborations with various departments across campus.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic direction to OAW and IACUC to ensure that the animal care and use program meets regulatory requirements.
• Supports the effective and efficient operation of the IACUC including animal use application review, regulatory reporting, and record-keeping;
• Collaborates with key stakeholders on matters relating to IACUC processes, including but not limited to, the Attending Veterinarian, IACUC Chair, and Institutional Official requirements.
• Assists and directs pre-reviews and advises investigators as needed when completing application submissions;
• Prepares extensive reports on research laws and issues (as they pertain to animals) for federal agencies, accrediting bodies and university officials;
• Oversees/Participates in Post Approval Monitoring of research activities in coordination with IACUC.
• Supervises the scheduling and planning of the semi-annual animal use facilities inspections and program reviews.
• Oversees the development of extensive semi-annual reports which are submitted to the Institutional Official;
• Develops and coordinates inter-institutional agreements for collaborative research with other universities;
• Works closely with the attending veterinarian and the IACUC chair in the implementation and maintenance of IACUC policies, and the monitoring of compliance by the investigators with the regulations.
• Oversees AAALAC accreditation processes, reports, and visits
• In collaboration with the Attending Veterinarian, provides training to members of the University community who participate in or have reason to be knowledgeable of animal research or teaching policies and procedures;
• Research areas of programmatic importance in the area of animal-based studies, to provide training for IACUC members, animal users and other related personnel in partnership with the Attending Veterinarian.
• Evaluates OAW and IACUC efficiency and implements improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Assists other office staff and administrators in their areas of specialization when necessary.
• Liaison with appropriate units for electronic system needs.
• Ensure Protocol and Grant Award documents are in concordance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the following:
• Directly related experience in institutional animal care and use issues and animal welfare
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced technical knowledge of applicable federal regulations related to IACUC and animal welfare; Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures related to governmental regulations.
• Ability to interpret and implement applicable federal regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of AAALAC accreditation requirements
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to write statistical reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially
• Ability to keep records and make reports
• Demonstrated ability to provide didactic presentations and training, including preparation of educational materials and hands-on development; familiarity or experience with adult education models.

Requirements

• Driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer certification in IACUC administration; if not certified, willing to pursue

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Nov 24, 2025

Posting Classification: Non-Classified

Exemption Status: Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule: Full-time