IACUC Specialist / Senior IACUC Specialist - Office of Animal Research Compliance

IACUC Specialist / Senior IACUC Specialist - Office of Animal Research Compliance

This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement based on operational needs following a successful training/onboarding period.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

Job Summary

Provides oversight and helps ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and policies governing the care and use of research and teaching animals.

Additionally, the Senior IACUC Specialist will:

Serve as UI Campus primary resource for assisting investigators with the submission of protocols describing use of animals in research and teaching. Participate in facility inspections and provide investigators with information regarding proper use of animals, resources and training. Participate in post-approval monitoring of activities involving the care and use of animals to ensure compliance with approved protocols and with university policies and government regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct IACUC operational activities such as protocol reviews, facility inspections, participation as an advisor to the IACUC, and other related duties as needed:

• Attend weekly staff meetings on campus, coordinate and conduct in-person University of Illinois animal use facility inspections (for on- and off-campus facilities)
• Conduct preliminary reviews of animal use protocols and manage submissions to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with university policies and federal regulations.
• Coordinate and participate in semi-annual and ad-hoc inspections of spaces where animal activities occur, review relevant records, document specific findings, and generate investigator notifications.
• Follow-up on observations, requests for corrective actions, and training deficiencies with investigators, and prepare written reports and conduct subsequent inspections and inquiries, as needed.
• Monitor and facilitate use of the IACUC Online Protocol system, including answering office phone calls, assisting users and following up system notifications to assure timely completion of required responses.
• Serve in an advisory role to the IACUC, providing advice and summarizing protocol monitoring activities during official monthly meetings.
• Coordinate official IACUC special sub-committee activities, as requested.
• Investigate and document animal welfare complaints across campus, and facilitate formal IACUC investigations, as necessary.
• Provide operational support to the OARC Director and IACUC Chair and coordinate activities with other compliance offices on campus, as needed.

Conduct IACUC specialized activities in support of sponsored research and veterinary requirements:

• Conduct congruency reviews between federal grants and IACUC protocols and submit verifications to granting agencies, as needed.
• Facilitate post-approval monitoring of animal care and use for active protocols in collaboration with ACP veterinarians.

Collaborate and communicate with research teams and Animal Care Program personnel to support training and continuous improvement activities:

• Communicate with investigators, their staff members, and the University of Illinois Animal Care Program (ACP) to maintain sound working relationships and exchange of information.
• Help create, manage, and disseminate online and in-person training materials for animal users and IACUC members regarding animal care and use activities.
• Remain current on federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations pertaining to the use of animals for research and teaching.
• Engage in continuing education by attending meetings relevant to IACUC administration (sponsored by OLAW, USDA, PRIM&R, SCAW, etc.) to maintain familiarity with current federal regulations and guidelines for animal use in research and teaching.

Senior IACUC Specialist Duties

Conduct IACUC operational activities such as protocol reviews, facility inspections, participation as an advisor to the IACUC, and other related duties as needed:

• Attend weekly staff meetings on campus, coordinate and conduct in-person University of Illinois animal use facility inspections (for on- and off-campus facilities)
• Coordinate and participate in semi-annual and ad-hoc inspections of spaces where animal activities occur, review relevant records, document specific findings, and generate investigator notifications

Protocol Management and Compliance:

• Conduct preliminary reviews of animal use protocols and manage submissions to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and compliance with university policies and federal regulations.
• Monitor and facilitate the use of the online protocol system, including assisting users and monitoring system notifications to assure timely completion of required activities.
• Conduct concordance reviews between grants and protocols and submit verifications to granting agencies, as needed. Coordinate official visits by IACUC sub-committees and ad-hoc compliance inspections of animal facilities and participate in formal investigations.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Serve as a non-voting member of the IACUC, providing advice and summarizing monitoring activities during meetings. Remain current on federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations pertaining to the use of animals for research and teaching. Assist with post-meeting communication with Investigators.
• Engage in continuing education by attending meetings relevant to IACUC administration (sponsored by OLAW, USDA, PRIM&R, SCAW, etc.) to maintain familiarity with current federal regulations and guidelines for animal use in research and teaching.
• Prepare written reports and conduct follow-up inspections or investigations as needed. Follow-up on observations, recommendations, and training deficiencies with investigators.
• Organize and conduct post-approval monitoring of animal care and use for active protocols and projects. This may include conducting annual reviews, visiting labs, reviewing records, documenting specific findings, and generating investigator notifications.
• Investigate and document animal welfare complaints across campus. Track follow-up of animal welfare complaints and adverse events reports. Coordinate activities with other compliance offices on campus as necessary. Provide support to the Director with operational functions as assigned.

Communication and Training:

• Facilitate communication between reviewers and investigators during the entire protocol review process.
• Communicate with investigators and animal users to maintain sound working relationships and exchange of information. Help create, manage, and disseminate training materials for animal users and IACUC members regarding animal care and use. Provide on-line or in person training as requested by labs or other campus entities.
• Represent IACUC on various ad hoc committees as requested.

IACUC Specialist Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a science, technical, or closely-related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position.
• Experience in laboratory or agricultural animal research. Familiarity with methods of animal research including dosing, blood collection, drug administration, aseptic techniques, assessment and monitoring of normal animal behavior, and associated handling and restraint.
• Experience with enforcement, application, and knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the use of animals in research and teaching, including the Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Service policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the implementation of university animal research protocols, post-approval monitoring of animal use activities, and IACUC procedures.
• Experience with the development and delivery of training and educational courses. AALAS certification at the LAT (Laboratory Animal Technician) level or higher.
• Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) certification, or the ability to obtain within three years of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical and/or scientific terminology and federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the use of animals in research and teaching.
• Effective communication, personal relations, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Computer proficiency in standard office applications such as MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a team/leader and independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to foster constructive relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, campus visitors, and other constituencies.

Senior IACUC Specialist Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science,