Job Abstract

The University of Virginia’s Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) is seeking a Training & Quality Assurance Coordinator. This position works closely with the Center’s Attending Veterinarian and Assistant Director for Facilities and Operations to support ongoing animal research on Grounds and train staff within the Center. The position is multifaceted involving administrative, regulatory, and training activities. The selected candidate will be responsible for development, maintenance, and evolution of the internal staff training program within CCM.  Training includes, but is not limited to, routine and specialized animal husbandry procedures, medical treatment(s) administration, safety procedures, knowledge of facility/equipment care and upkeep, introductory and specialized training procedures as needed, and helping CCM staff achieve AALAS Certifications.

 
The mission of the Center for Comparative Medicine is to support biomedical research and teaching that utilizes laboratory animals. The Center does this in a manner which promotes the policies set by the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) whose charge is to oversee compliance by personnel at the University of Virginia with federal regulations and guidelines.

Duties include:

TRAINING

• Develop and coordinate training classes for advanced techniques that are utilized for technical support by the CCM veterinary team

  • This individual can also train, validate, and coordinate Subject Matter Experts (SME) to facilitate training

• Develop a sustainable program for CCM refresher training and validation

• Evaluate and/or develop alternatives and supplemental training that does not require animals

• Assist with assigning accounts with AALAS, CITI and other professional/educational institutions and assists with the veterinarian and veterinary technician licensing and credentialing process

• Is an active participant and/or oversees the on-boarding and training for CCM staff positions

ADMINISTRATIVE and REGULATORY

• Provides leadership and management of the CCM Training Program and Training Coordinators

• Creates and coordinates the review of CCM Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), training documents and/or guidelines

• Assists in preparing for AAALAC site visits and ACUC semiannual inspections by preparing the assigned areas for inspection and participating in inspection walk through.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Strong communication skills are required to provide excellent customer service

• Provide consultation with researchers to help individuals navigate the process of completing the training and occupational health requirements to work with animals and obtain animal facility access. 

• Act as a liaison between research personnel and CCM management for all training related services.

HUSBANDRY

• Advises and collaborates with CCM management to ensure required training is completed, updates training procedures as needed when processes change, and communicates concerns and solutions when a process needs to be reviewed for changes.

GENERAL

• Completes the required UVA safety training and occupational health screening on an annual basis.

• Remains familiar with CCM emergency response procedures.

• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously.

• Be the initial supervisor in Workday for new hires and complete hiring authorizations that come through VPR/HR.

• Review, interview, tour applicants for caregiver and cagewash, support same process for supervisory positions.

• Liaise with recruiter/HR business partner in regard to staffing needs and postings.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in a relevant subject (biology, animal sciences, etc.) is required. Relevant experience in lieu of degree may be considered.

• Experience: At least 7 years of relevant experience working with laboratory animals and 3+ years managing laboratory animal staff.

• Licensure/Certifications: LAT certification (or higher) through AALAS required

• Knowledgeable in regard to federal animal welfare regulations and AAALAC accreditation standards.

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Vaccination: This position requires compliance with UVA Health Policy OCH-002.

Physical Demands:
Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling/bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

Application Instructions: Please apply online by searching R0062025; and complete an application including the following REQUIRED documents, Internal applicants must apply through their Workday profile using “Find UVA Jobs”:

• CV/Resume

• Cover Letter

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter.

Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a health screening and a background check per university policy.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.