Research Training Specialist, Office of Animal Welfare

The University of Virginia is currently seeking a Research Training Specialist to join the Office of Animal Welfare. This position is responsible for executing one of the primary missions of the Office of Animal Welfare, delivering training to the research community while promoting animal welfare and ensuring that animal research is conducted in the most humane manner possible and in full compliance with relevant regulations and institutional policy. This is a restricted (3-year term limited) position with renewal dependent on ongoing departmental need and funding.

Duties include the implementation and delivery of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program (IACUC) required training program designed to educate, train, and develop the of technical skills of researchers working with laboratory animals. Researchers include faculty, laboratory staff, and students. The multimodal program includes online training modules, seminars, hands-on workshops, surgical assessments, and individualized training sessions. The Training Specialists will serve as the primary contact for questions regarding animal training requirements; manage registration and materials; deliver training; track completion; and evaluate technical proficiency when needed. In collaboration with the Director, the incumbent will assist with the programmatic monitoring and evaluation of the training program for effectiveness and relevance and will modify, develop, and deploy new training as a result of technological advancements or regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate must be proficient in rodent handling, restraint, and common biomethodology techniques. Experience performing aseptic surgical manipulations in rodents is required. Experience handling and performing various procedures with other common laboratory animal species is necessary. Candidate must have the manual dexterity, manipulation skills, and visual acuity sufficient to perform and train others on technical manipulations. The position relies on the ability to interact effectively to train adult learners with diverse backgrounds and language skills, and to adjust training styles based on the individual being trained. Must have the ability to develop and foster a supportive and cooperative rapport with the research community as a source of information and assistance.

As a subject-matter expert, the incumbent will engage in education and outreach programs in the form of seminars (planned and pop-up) and contribute to website content and newsletter articles. As part of the Office of Animal Welfare, the position will provide assistance with emerging animal welfare or compliance concerns as necessary to provide continuous coverage. The position provides support to semi-annual inspection and program review activities and the accreditation process. Have the ability to readily take on additional tasks as necessary to support strategic planning initiatives and provide exceptional supportive service.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Master’s Degree.
  
• Experience: At least seven years of relevant experience with research animal models. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. Prefer 7 years of experience with the care and use of research animals in an AAALAC-accredited academic institution. Previous experience developing, delivering, and analyzing animal research-based training strongly preferred.
  
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license with zero or positive points balance required and at least 2 years of driving experience.
  
• Preferred Licenses or Certification: LATG, LVT, DVM
  

Required Relative Experience:

• Demonstrated mastery/proficiency in rodent handling, restraint, and common biomethodology techniques including: multiple routes of substance administration (IV, SQ, IP, gavage), blood collection, breeding management (sexing, tissue biopsy, identification methods), and euthanasia.
  
• Experience performing aseptic surgical manipulations in rodents.
  
• Experience handling and performing various types of procedures with other commonly used laboratory animal species.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency in identification of humane endpoints and normal behaviors in rodents.
  

Preferred Experience:

• Experience developing, delivering, and analyzing animal research-based hands-on training.
  
• Experience performing advanced rodent techniques including: intravitreous (ocular) injections, tail vein catheterization, tumor inoculation/production.
  
• Surgically competent in performing rodent intracranial injections, headset placement, jugular/indwelling catheter placement, implants, orchiectomy.
  
• Working knowledge of rodent behavioral tests and colony management including breeding, weaning, and timed mating.
  
• Experience with online animal use training systems and learning management systems.
  
• Familiarity with federal laws, regulations, and guidance documents pertaining to the care and use of research animals.
  

Required Qualifications/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal fluency with basic biomedical and laboratory animal research terminology.
  
• Ability to interact effectively to train adult learners with diverse backgrounds and language skills, and to adjust training styles based on the audience.
  
• Ability to develop and foster a supportive and cooperative rapport with researcher community.
  
• Adept at writing concise, detail orientated, professional communications.
  
• Possess excellent organizational skills in order to maintain a schedule and perform multiple projects simultaneously with changing priorities.
  
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
  

Physical Demands: Job requires the ability to sit and or stand for prolonged periods and frequent walking for facility visits and training sessions. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs. May be required to handle animals exposed to chemical or biohazardous materials. Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Position Location: Expectation is that this position will work in an on UVA Grounds office environment and will be required to regularly visit laboratories and animal facilities across Grounds for individual outreach, meetings, and training sessions.

Anticipated Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 annually. Actual starting salary will be commensurate with experience.

This is a full-time position with UVA benefits . Employee benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 18 paid holidays each year; in addition to paid time off; parental and community service leave
  
• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
  
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
  
• Tuition and professional development benefits
  
• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year
  

Selected candidates will be required to pass a background check and health screen.

Application Instructions:

Apply online and search for requisition R0064402. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:

• CV/Resume
  
• Cover Letter - specifically addressing your interest in this position and outline relevant technical skills and experience including specific surgical and technical experience based on species.
  

**Please note that you MUST upload ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS into the CV/Resume box, into which multiple documents can be uploaded. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. ***

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, at js9rk@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding 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 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.