IACUC Specialist, Office of Research Support and Compliance

Job Details

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General Notes

The at The University of Texas at Austin functions to ensure that all research conducted at the University is in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies. The ORSC educates and supports the University research community with regulatory guidance concerning human subjects research (Institutional Review Board), animal research (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee), use of biohazardous agents and use of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids (Institutional Biosafety Committee), financial conflict of interest in research (FCOI), and research integrity education.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

100% employer-paid basic medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Eligible for telework schedule 

Purpose

The IACUC Specialist for Post-Approval Monitoring is responsible for implementing the Quality Assurance arm of the Post-Approval Monitoring Program for the UT Animal Care and Use Program through the IACUC. Contributes to the overall education and training program in a meaningful way. Maintains meticulous documentation of all laboratory visits.

Responsibilities

Oversees the post approval compliance monitoring program of IACUC approved protocols by conducting lab visits and reporting findings to the IACUC. In assigned area of responsibility, reviews operating procedures for efficiency and effectiveness, makes minor changes or recommends major changes for improvements. Engages in planning and decisions related to new or changed procedures.

Conducts collegial and educational post-approval monitoring lab visits and provides timely and accurate guidance to research labs. Utilizes keen observational and assessment skills to identify potential protocol deviations based on a thorough understanding of animal research protocols, IACUC policies and guidelines, and federal/state regulations. Responds to requests for assistance from research teams related to best practices for adhering to and implementing IACUC policies and procedures.

Prepares pre and post visit correspondence to researchers. Independently initiates and composes comprehensive correspondence with researchers to accurately reflect findings or potential issues of non-compliance. Communicates in an unbiased manner the results of visits with the IACUC and IACUC leadership.

Ensures corrective actions are implemented and followed. Conducts follow-up visits and provides specific assistance to labs when warranted.

Maintains complete and accurate data from lab visits, including labs visited, visit findings, recommendations and requirements, and corrected actions. As directed, compiles comprehensive reports to summarize visit data and makes recommendations related to programmatic enhancements related to issues such as educational needs, policy and guidance updates, and initiatives to improve investigator compliance.

Collaborates and communicates with research teams and Animal Care Program personnel to support training and continuous improvement activities: Contributes to IACUC monthly newsletter including assisting the Associate Director of the IACUC with writing content and producing a quality newsletter. Assists with management of IACUC Listserv. In collaboration with the Associate Director of the IACUC, assists with the development and implementation of a robust research community educational training program regarding animal research activities, IACUC policies and best practices. Assists with the creation of presentations, written guidance, e-courses, and other educational materials for distribution to the research community.

Participates in IACUC activities such as FCR meetings, semi-annual program review, etc. Maintains current knowledge of the animal research regulatory environment.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and five years of experience working in research with animals or Master’s degree and three years of experience working in research with animals or PhD degree and one year of experience working in research with animals.

Experience with enforcement, application and knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the use of animals in research and teaching (includes the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service policy).

Ability to work effectively both as a part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to foster constructive relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, campus visitors, and other constituencies.

Ability to plan and carry out responsibilities independently.

Ability to interpret policies and procedures to solve unusual and/or difficult problems. 

Ability to work collaboratively within and across teams. Ability to effectively communicate with university administrators, faculty, post docs and students in a collegial manner.

Diplomacy and exceptional customer service

Demonstrated ability to present written information, ideas, and concepts in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

Strong attention to detail.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Effective planning and organizational skills.

Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.

Experience using computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with the implementation of university animal research protocols, post-approval monitoring of animal use activities, and IACUC procedures.

Experience with development and delivery of training and educational courses.

Veterinary Technician Certification or Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) certification or willingness to obtain within two years after employment

Salary Range

$68,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)

May work around standard office conditions

Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Occasional travel

Required Materials

Please mark "yes" on the application for required materials. Failure to attach all additional materials listed may affect candidates being considered for the position.

Resume/CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.

Letter of interest

Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:  You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:  As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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