Animal Research Coordinator
About Us:
Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://go.boisestate.edu/join-our-team/.
Position Overview:
The position is responsible for the handling, use and care of laboratory, teaching and field study animals, to ensure the University’s Animal Care and Use Program meets its obligations and mandates as established by federal, state and University regulations, assurances, registrations and requirements that govern the use of animals for teaching and research. This position is critical to oversee daily operations of three animal facilities, daily monitoring of laboratory teaching and field study animals, routine husbandry and sanitation for animal activity conducted at the University.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Animal Care & Use For Research Animal Compliance:
* Using specialized knowledge of animal care, oversee use and handling of various animal species used in laboratory, teaching and field study activities and research. Independently resolve issues involving various animal species.
* Support for three animal facilities, including daily animal monitoring mandated record keeping, quarantine and surgery schedule coordination, housing needs, biohazard materials and carcass disposal.
* Conduct and/or assist with surgeries, restraints, injections, collecting embryos, weaning, ability to apply anesthetics/analgesics and euthanize as directed.
* Develop new and update current guidelines and procedures for the university’s animal care and use research program.
* Monitor changes in regulatory compliance and develops a corrective action plan in coordination with the Veterinarian, the ARCO, and Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) as issues arise.
* Perform sanitation, autoclaving, sterilizing, changing racks, cages and water tanks. Provide food, bedding, and water for animals in the three facilities. Maintain equipment and instruments.
* Provide knowledge and coordinate activity to faculty for joint collaborations with the Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center Animal Care & Use program and other animal facilities.
* Stock and provide necessary personnel protective equipment (face shields, gloves, booties, etc.), and consumables (food, surgical instruments) as required for research activity in the three animal facilities.
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Director of Research Compliance and the Animal Research Compliance Officer.
Regulatory Guidance And Support:
* Provide advice and interpretation of the continually changing federal and state regulations in the areas of animal activity for teaching and research. Provide counsel to researchers to ensure compliance with federal, state and University guidelines and mandates including:
* The Animal Welfare Act.
* Institutional Animal Care & Use Program (IACUC)
* Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) accreditation mandates.
* Usda requirements and registration standards.
* Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
* Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC)
* All federal regulations governing compliance regarding the care and use of animals in research (9 CFR); PHS policies on research misconduct (42 CFR part 50 and 93); USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS); NIH Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the DHHS Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical laboratories (BMBL), Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and guidelines for research.
* PHS policy entitled “Objectivity in Research;” NSF policy entitled “Investigator Financial Disclosure Policy;”
* Boise State research laboratory safety and environmental health and safety requirements; and related BSU policies and procedures.
* Frequently meet with faculty and researchers to review the use and care of animals to ensure the approved protocol is being followed. In coordination with the Animal Research Compliance Officer (ARCO) coordinate and develop concepts and approaches to resolve pending issues.
* Perform critical preliminary review and post approval monitoring of animal research and teaching protocol submitted to Institutional Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure appropriate, complete information is provided for regulatory guidelines and national standards.
* Act as a reference for faculty and researchers when applying for sponsored grants and contracts, to ensure their research is compliant under federal, state, & University regulations for animal care and use protections.
* Provide and document animal facility mandated reporting: maintain detailed records of animal breeding, health, housing, isolation, quarantine and support areas. Provide critical record keeping of time and costs associated with animal care and welfare ensuring accurate per diem charges.
* Coordinate and document the review for mandated six month Program Reviews and Facilities Inspections with IACUC and ARCO, and assist to resolve outstanding issues.
* In the absence of or in coordination with the Animal Research Compliance Officer provide guidance and support for the Institutional BioSafety Committee (IBC) in their review and approval of biohazard research activities that involve animals, animal tissues, fluids or carcasses.
* Maintain strict confidentially regarding the identification of animal researcher, current research projects, developing marketable products, and sensitive communication with faculty and researchers.
* Pursue, develops and conduct educational presentations and training as needed including regulatory guidance, assist with implementation, maintain training records, and sends notices for required animal training. Provides appropriate training for animal researchers, technicians and laboratory staff prior to allowing access to animal facility or handling of animals.
Technology And Administrative Support:
* Collaborate with the Assistant Director and the ARCO to investigate and review compliance software programs and prepare recommendations to the Director of Research Compliance for purchase and implementation.
* Collaborate with Veterinarian and ARCO to develop and write SOPs and guidelines related to animal health and technology services.
* Maintain and secure records of all electronic and hard copy data involving animal activity, federal registrations, animal assurances, data preparation, IACUC protocols, maintain database and website and keep detailed inventory and accurate daily animal logs.
* Maintain and coordinate a calendar for animal use, surgeries, inspections, sanitation maintenance and housing space in the three animal facility sites with researchers.
* Immediately reports to the Director of Research Compliance and the ARCO any allegation or adverse events, and non-compliance related to the animal care and use program.
The successful candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
* Technical knowledge and familiarity with clinic, laboratory, teaching and field study animal welfare regulations and IACUC operations.
* Demonstrate ability to make independent judgment regarding the interpretation & application of animal compliance regulations.
* Must exhibit excellent writing and communication skills, have a working knowledge with higher educational institutions research regulations, knowledge of government regulations including conflicts of interest, animal welfare, and biohazardous materials
Minimum Qualifications:
* Bachelor's Degree (or its equivalent) plus 2 years of related experience.
* Must also be able to develop, maintain, and have a working knowledge of databases and record keeping using Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
* Experience with use and maintenance of equipment used for sterilizing, sanitation, surgery, euthanization, anesthesia/analgesics, capture, restraint, and transportation for both mammals, fish and birds.
* Must be able to interpret clearly federal regulations, governing compliance regarding the use of animals in research (9 CFR); PHS policies on research misconduct (42 CFR part 50 and 93); USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS); NIH Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the DHHS Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical laboratories (BMBL), the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and guidelines for research.
* Requires completion and certification for the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training Animal Lab modules within 3 months of hire.
* Requires within two of years of hire to enter into a Certification program specific to Animal Care & Use or Animal Technician Certification, i.e., SCAW or AALAS and maintain certification status once acquired through a professional organization.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Veterinarian Medicine, Biology or related field.
* Four (4) years working with federal animal clinic or laboratory research animal program.
* Two (2) years working experience in research compliance for a higher educational institution
* Two (2) years animal field experience for mist nets, trapping, lure, and observational activity.
Benefits:
Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://hrs.boisestate.edu/benefits/.