Asst Vivarium Manager

Job Summary:

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Here, your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated.

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave.

Explore our benefits further below:

https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/

Together, we can be unstoppable!

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Team as an Assistant Vivarium Manager. This is a full time restricted University and Academic Professional position working in the DAR facilities.

The Assistant Vivarium Manager is responsible for assisting with oversight of the daily operations within an assigned vivarium to ensure the humane care and well-being of laboratory animals in accordance with all applicable federal, state, local, and university regulations and policies. In the absence of the Vivarium Manager, this position serves as their delegate to maintain operational continuity, staff oversight, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Work is Monday through Friday and work hours are scheduled between 7am and 4pm. Weekends and Holidays will be required, with optional overtime when needed by the department.

The Assistant Vivarium Manager duties include:

•Serve as the acting Manager in the absence of their building Vivarium Manager, providing leadership and ensuring adherence to operational standards. Tasks will include supervising and coordinating daily activities of animal care and cage wash technicians, ensuring husbandry tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.

•Conduct thorough and accurate assessments of animal health and environmental conditions, including monitoring food, water, bedding, and general cage elements across multiple species housed in the DAR vivarium.

•Provide fundamental animal husbandry services, including cage changing, feeding, watering, and bedding replacement.

•Perform census tracking of animals and maintain up-to-date records.

•Ensure cleanliness of vivarium spaces through room, cage, and equipment sanitization, following strict biosecurity protocols.

•Participate in the training and mentoring of animal care staff and contribute to workplace health and safety initiatives.

•Monitor inventory, ensure timely ordering and restocking of necessary supplies and PPE.

•Uphold the VCU Code of Conduct, consistently delivering high-quality customer service to research personnel and stakeholders.

Minimum hiring standards:

•High school diploma or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

•At least 2 years of experience in a formal management position or demonstrated leadership experience in a supervisory or team lead capacity.

•Experience working animals in a professional setting (Clinic, Research, Husbandry, etc)

•Ability to follow written and oral instructions and adhere to detailed protocols.

•Physically capable of lifting 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, handling animals safely, and performing manual cleaning tasks.

•Ability to safely handle and apply disinfectants and cleaning agents; must comply with PPE and biosafety procedures.

•Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team setting and manage time-sensitive tasks.

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

•Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with laboratory animals in a vivarium or clinical setting.

•AALAS certification at the ALAT level or higher (LAT, LATG).

•Experience supervising or training staff in an animal care setting.

•Working knowledge of IACUC protocols, vivarium management software, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., USDA, PHS Policy, AAALAC).

Typical Licensure:

-Preferred candidate will have AALAS certification of ALAT or higher.