Animal Program Compliance Specialist

Animal Program Compliance Specialist

The Animal Program Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program, responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive post-approval monitoring (PAM) program that ensures ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing animal research. This position serves as a subject matter expert on animal research compliance, providing consultation and guidance to investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on regulatory requirements and best practices.

Reporting to the Director of the IACUC Office, this role works collaboratively with the IACUC, the Department of Animal Resources, and the research community to promote a culture of compliance, animal welfare, and scientific integrity. The position plays an active role in shaping programmatic policy, delivering compliance education, and serving as a trusted compliance partner to faculty and principal investigators. The ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset, deep regulatory fluency, and the ability to build credible relationships across a research-intensive environment.

Responsibilities and duties include:

• Design, implement, and continuously improve the post-approval monitoring program, including systems for tracking monitoring activities, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up.
• Conduct onsite laboratory compliance assessments and lead semiannual facility inspections; investigate non-compliance, adverse events, and animal welfare concerns and prepare findings and corrective action plans for IACUC review.
• Advise investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC standards; represent the institution during regulatory inspections and accreditation visits.
• Perform administrative and regulatory review of IACUC protocols and amendments across the lifecycle, including grant congruence, and maintain documentation supporting audits and institutional reporting.
• Serve as a trusted compliance partner to faculty and PIs; collaborate with the Department of Animal Resources to deliver training and outreach, and mentor IACUC staff and committee members.
• Contribute to program strategy, develop institutional policies and SOPs, and identify process improvements and new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, that strengthen compliance.

Position requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in biology or another science field required.
• 57 years of regulatory compliance administration and/or laboratory animal experience, with demonstrated expertise in post-approval monitoring or IACUC program management.
• Well-versed in federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC International standards; able to provide authoritative guidance on regulatory interpretation and application.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to build credible working relationships with faculty, administration, and research staff.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; able to manage multiple priorities, design program systems, and present data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Proficiency with electronic protocol management systems; familiarity with process improvement methodologies and emerging compliance technologies preferred.
• CPIA, LATG, LAT, or ALAT certification preferred.
• Familiarity with IACUC semiannual inspections, USDA inspections, and AAALAC accreditation processes.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift and handle equipment or materials up to 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists, and hands. The role may involve use of personal protective equipment (PPE), exposure to biohazardous materials, extended stationary periods, traversing campus as needed, operation of standard office equipment, and exposure to varying temperatures.

Compensation is $105,900 to $117,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits include an employer contributed retirement plan, health and welfare plans, access to flexible spending accounts, competitive vacation and sick leave policies, and free, on-site parking.

EEO Statement: The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.