Compliance Veterinarian

About the Job

The Compliance Veterinarian supports both the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) at the University of Minnesota in maintaining exemplary compliance programs by reviewing compliance applications/protocols, participating in post-approval monitoring and observation, providing training for investigators on animal-related procedures, and participating in semi-annual inspections of animal housing and use areas. The position reports operationally to the IACUC Director but will also have a significant portion of responsibilities reporting to the IBC Director and the Attending Veterinarian (AV).

The successful Compliance Veterinarian will be detail-oriented, work independently, and have excellent written and oral communication skills. The Compliance Veterinarian will interact with faculty and their staff as well as personnel from numerous University units including: IACUC, OBAO, RAR, HSRM, and the BSL3 Program. This position may have a specialized or dedicated role to provide lead support in areas of expertise or need, but it will share responsibilities with other staff to meet institutional compliance goals. The Compliance Veterinarian will also be expected to foster external connections to other institutions and compliance organizations for professional assistance and development.

This position requires a collaborative working relationship with the AV and Clinical Laboratory Animal Veterinarians:

• Report issues to the AV that need to be addressed clinically and programmatically.
• Meet with clinical veterinarians on a consistent basis to understand current compliance issues.
• Keep up to date with the current recommendations for surgical and medical treatment of research species.
• Collaborate with clinical veterinarians regarding specific procedures, techniques, or other clinical needs to identify when researchers are deficient.
• Maintain a collaborative and collegial relationship with the clinical veterinary team.

This position is a 100% appointment with the flexibility to complete many tasks remotely, with approximately one day in the office or visiting laboratories per week. The majority of site visits are on the UMN Twin Cities campus, but occasional travel to other facilities is required.

Position Duties and Responsibilities Percentage of time and effort dedicated to each category may vary depending on the specific background and expertise of the Compliance Veterinarian and the needs of the IACUC and IBC offices.

65% Veterinary Review of IACUC protocols and other IACUC tasks

• Review IACUC protocols (new submissions, renewals, amendments) across a broad range of animal models and research paradigms and provide recommendations to maintain compliance, enhance animal welfare, improve study design, and assure procedures are in alignment with institutional policies, SOPs, and practices.
• Enter comments and review investigator responses in the electronic protocol system (eProtocol).
• Attend and participate in IACUC meetings to discuss protocols and other IACUC topics.
• Assist with review and updating of policies and SOPs related to use of animals.
• Participate in semi-annual inspections of animal use areas.

15% IACUC Post Approval Monitoring and Training

• Participate in post approval monitoring of approved IACUC research activities to ensure compliance with IACUC protocols and all applicable policies.
• Observe and provide feedback on procedures performed by investigators.
• Provide training/retraining to investigators to improve technique.
• Correspond with investigators and staff to communicate findings and recommendations.

15% Veterinary Review for Biosafety

• Review IBC protocols involving animal use for compliance to federal guidelines and best practices for biosafety (NIH Guidelines, BMBL).
• Work with administrative offices to provide investigator feedback for congruency between related IBC and IACUC applications.
• Attend and participate in IBC meetings.
• Attend and participate in BSL3 Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings.
• Assess and update policies and facility SOPs related to use of animals and biosafety compliance requirements set by the IBC.

5% Other Animal Use and IBC Compliance

• Inspect animal use areas for facility and equipment containment requirements according to federal guidelines and best practices (NIH Guidelines, BMBL).
• Track animal use facilities for IBC compliance needs.
• Train RAR veterinarians and fellows as needed in IBC compliance responsibilities.

Flexible Work Profile The Research and Innovation Office (RIO), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota. This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profiles One, Two or Three.

• Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab-Based: Is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities campus.
• Flexible Work Profile Two, Regularly Remote: Is expected to work in the office/lab at least three days per week. Typically working remotely 1-2 days per week. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities campus.
• Flexible Work Profile Three, Mostly Remote: Is expected to typically work in the office/lab 1-2 days per week. Working remotely at least three days per week. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location.

The IACUC office management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, equivalent degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary school, or certification of veterinary training through programs such as ECFVG and PAVE.
• At least four years of experience or at least one year of research training.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and ability to initiate and compose correspondence to investigators and to produce accurate written records.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of specific experience or training in the field of laboratory animal medicine.
• DACLAM, or eligible to become board-certified.
• Experience with a variety of animal species and research models, particularly non human primates.
• Experience working in a large and complex academic institution with multiple stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing the use of animals in research, AAALAC accreditation, animal biological safety and containment best practices (BMBL), and important industry/USG guidelines (e.g. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Ag Guide, NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, Occupational Health, etc.).
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and the Google suite of on-line applications. Familiar with PowerPoint.

About the Department

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) reviews research, teaching, and display projects involving University of Minnesota-owned animals, ensuring that the work performed meets the regulatory expectations of the Institution and state and federal regulatory agencies. The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for the review of research or teaching activities involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, infectious agents, and biologically-derived toxins as described in University of Minnesota policies. The IBC is administratively supported by the Office of Biotechnology Activities Oversight (OBAO). Both the IACUC and IBC/OBAO are within the Research and Innovation Office.

Pay and Benefits

• Pay Range: $106,000.00 - $128,000.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience
• Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
• Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Medical/Physical Requirements

• A current Tetanus vaccine is required.
• An annual Tuberculosis screening is required.
• An annual Influenza vaccine is required.
• A protective measles titer is required or measles vaccination (if never vaccinated) or booster (if titer does not convey protection) is required.
• A rabies vaccine or titer is offered unless the employee wishes to fill out a declination form.
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator or N95 Masks and associated Respiratory Protection Program clearance may be required when working in certain environments and conditions.

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B or employment-based permanent residency (Green Card) sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship at this time. If selected for this position, you must be authorized to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota by the start date. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon verification of your work authorization.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).