Based in a university and reporting to the Director of Research Laboratories, the ideal candidate should possess a strong foundation in laboratory animal sciences and demonstrate substantial experience in overseeing biosecurity and biosafety programs.
Responsibilities will include:
Veterinary Care:
Provide expert veterinary care to laboratory animals, ensuring their health and welfare.
Oversee disease surveillance, diagnostics, and treatment protocols.
Collaborate with researchers and other departments to optimize animal models and experimental outcomes.
Biosecurity and Biosafety:
Develop, implement, and manage robust biosecurity and biosafety programs to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens.
Conduct risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate potential hazards.
Stay abreast of industry best practices and regulatory requirements related to biosecurity and biosafety.
Personnel Management:
Lead and mentor a team of veterinary professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Provide training on biosecurity and biosafety procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Collaboration:
Collaborate with research teams, facility managers, and regulatory bodies to ensure alignment with ethical and legal standards.
Participate in interdisciplinary research projects, providing veterinary expertise.
Accreditation and Compliance:
Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations, including those set forth by ASPA (Animal Scientific Procedures Act) and AAALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science).
Oversee the preparation for and management of inspections and accreditation processes.
Qualifications and Experience:
Veterinary degree with a post-graduate qualification in laboratory animal sciences or medicine (e.g., Dipl. ECLAM, Ph.D., DVM).
A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in laboratory animal medicine and management.
Leadership and management experience.
Accreditation from relevant professional bodies such as ASPA and AAALAS.
In-depth knowledge of laboratory rodent care, breeding, and research procedures.
Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience in designing and implementing biosecurity and biosafety programs.