Hybrid Director Office of Animal Welfare – WVU Research Office

About the Opportunity

The Research Office at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Director of the Office of Animal Welfare.

The Director of the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) oversees OAW, which provides support services to all animal use endeavors at West Virginia University. The role is to facilitate research activities by assisting investigators in meeting regulatory obligations and developing detailed plans to address animal welfare.

The OAW works with and provides administrative support to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to develop policies, procedures, and resources that guide and educate the research community on the best practices for the use of animals. They also serve as a primary contact for the IACUC in its collaborations with various departments across campus.

• 37.5‑hour work week
• 13 paid holidays
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
• 18 sick days per year
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks
• Wellness programs

• Provide strategic direction to OAW and IACUC to ensure that the animal care and use program meets regulatory requirements.
• Support the effective and efficient operation of the IACUC including animal use application review, regulatory reporting, and record‑keeping.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders on matters relating to IACUC processes, including the Attending Veterinarian, IACUC Chair, and Institutional Official requirements.
• Assist and direct pre‑reviews and advise investigators as needed when completing application submissions.
• Prepare extensive reports on research laws and issues (as they pertain to animals) for federal agencies, accrediting bodies, and university officials.
• Oversee/participate in post‑approval monitoring of research activities in coordination with IACUC.
• Supervise the scheduling and planning of the semi‑annual animal use facilities inspections and program reviews.
• Oversee the development of semi‑annual reports submitted to the Institutional Official.
• Develop and coordinate inter‑institutional agreements for collaborative research with other universities.
• Work closely with the attending veterinarian and the IACUC chair in the implementation and maintenance of IACUC policies, and in monitoring investigator compliance with regulations.
• Oversee AAALAC accreditation processes, reports, and visits.
• In collaboration with the Attending Veterinarian, provide training to members of the university community who participate in or need knowledge of animal research or teaching policies and procedures.
• Conduct research in areas of programmatic importance in animal‑based studies, to provide training for IACUC members, animal users, and related personnel in partnership with the Attending Veterinarian.
• Evaluate OAW and IACUC efficiency and implement improvements to increase effectiveness.
• Assisst other office staff and administrators in their areas of specialization when necessary.
• Serve as liaison with appropriate units for electronic system needs.
• Ensure protocol and grant Award documents are in concordance.

• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in institutional animal care and use issues and animal welfare.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

• Advanced technical knowledge of applicable federal regulations related to IACUC and animal welfare; ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures related to governmental regulations.
• Ability to interpret and implement applicable federal regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of AAALAC accreditation requirements.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to write statistical reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• Ability to keep records and make reports.
• Demonstrated ability to provide didactic presentations and training, including preparation of educational materials and hands‑on development; familiarity or experience with adult education models.

• Driver’s license.

• Prefer certification in IACUC administration; if not certified, willing to pursue.

West Virginia University