Executive Director for Animal Research Training & Compliance

University of Virginia - Charlottesville, VA

Full-time - Executive

Charlottesville, VA

Educational Services

About the position

The Executive Director for Animal Research Training & Compliance at the University of Virginia is a pivotal role focused on ensuring ethical animal research and high standards of animal welfare. This position involves providing leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW). The Executive Director will work closely with the University's Attending Veterinarian and will be responsible for fostering a culture of integrity and excellence while supporting ongoing animal research and training initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for the animal care and use program.
• Lead initiatives to improve animal welfare, research compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Provide leadership that fosters a culture of excellence, transparency, and collaboration.
• Develop and maintain a budget for the OAW and ACUC offices.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines, including AAALAC accreditation and USDA regulations.
• Serve as the institution's point of contact for federal regulatory agencies.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of accreditation materials and audits.
• Provide leadership to the Directors for the Office of Animal Welfare and ACUC.
• Guide the ACUC in protocol review, facility inspections, and training of investigators and staff.
• Act as a resource for ACUC members on regulatory issues and ethical considerations.
• Occasionally provide clinical veterinary expertise to the Center for Comparative Medicine.
• Serve as a faculty member in the laboratory animal medicine residency program.
• Deliver lectures and mentor residents in clinical care and regulatory compliance.
• Drive initiatives to enhance the animal care and use program and engage in outreach with other institutions.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in laboratory animal medicine.

Requirements

• Master's degree; DVM, PhD or equivalent strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years' experience in laboratory animal medicine and federal regulations.
• Compliance with UVA Health Policy OCH-002.

Nice-to-haves

• DVM, PhD or equivalent education.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in laboratory animal medicine.
• Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA) preferred.
• Proven leadership in a research institution or academic setting.
• Exceptional strategic planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience with IACUC oversight and management.
• Strong teaching and mentoring abilities in an ACLAM-recognized residency program.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement