Job DescriptionJob DescriptionIn accordance with federal regulations, the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) is charged with the responsibility to oversee and evaluate the institution's program, procedures, and facilities to ensure compliance during the care and use of animals in research, teaching, training or testing. The IACUC maintains a quality assurance program that consists of a training program for research personnel on key compliance concepts and basic biomethodology and a post-approval monitoring program to ensure that procedures are performed in compliance with approved IACUC protocols.The Program Manager, Quality Assurance for the Animal Welfare Program plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies related to the care and use of animals in research and teaching. In consultation with the IACUC, Attending Veterinarian and Institutional Official, this role develops and implements training programs for researchers, staff, and students involved in animal research or teaching, and audits ongoing animal research activities to verify adherence to approved protocols, regulatory standards, and good practices. The Manager collaborates with researchers, IACUC members, and other stakeholders to enhance animal welfare and research compliance.The Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Quality Assurance program in the Quality Assurance program and oversees program staff. The Manager reports to the Director, Research Operations in Research Oversight & Support, receives regular guidance and support from IACUC leadership, and consults with the attending veterinarian and institutional official, as needed.IACUC Training Program
Training Program Development: - Develop and maintain a comprehensive training program for individuals involved in animal research, including researchers, technicians, students, and other relevant personnel.
- Ensure that training materials are up-to-date, accurate, and aligned with federal regulations, institutional policies, and best practices.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to create training content on animal handling, care, ethics, and relevant procedures.
Training Delivery: - Conduct training sessions, workshops, and seminars for research personnel.
- Provide one-on-one training as needed.
- Monitor and track training completion and compliance.
- Orientation and Onboarding:
- Orient new researchers and staff to IACUC policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines.
- Ensure that new personnel receive appropriate training before working with animals.
Continuing Education for Research Personnel: - Organize and facilitate continuing education programs for existing research personnel.
- Stay informed about advancements in animal research and relevant regulations.
Collaboration: - Work closely with the IACUC, veterinarians, and other relevant committees to ensure alignment of training programs with institutional policies and federal regulations.
- Collaborate with research supervisors and PAM personnel to address specific training needs.
Training Documentation and Records: - Maintain accurate records of training sessions, attendance, and completion.
- Prepare reports for the IACUC and other relevant bodies.
Assessment and Evaluation: - Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback, assessments, and surveys.
- Continuously improve training materials and methods based on feedback and emerging best practices.
Communication: - Communicate changes in regulations, policies, and procedures to research personnel.
- Promote a culture of ethical animal research through effective communication.
Professional Development: - Stay informed about changes in regulations, guidelines, and best practices related to PAM.
- Attend relevant conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
Post-approval Monitoring (PAM) Program
PAM Program Development: - Develop, implement, and manage the PAM Program in alignment with federal regulations (e.g., Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy) and institutional guidelines.
- Establish clear procedures for conducting post-approval monitoring visits and assessments.
Monitoring and Assessment: - Conduct routine and targeted PAM visits to research laboratories, animal facilities, and other relevant areas.
- Review research protocols, animal care records, and related documentation to verify compliance.
- Assess animal welfare, housing conditions, handling practices, and procedural techniques.
- Identify deviations from approved protocols and recommend corrective actions.
Continuing Education for Research Personnel: - Provide guidance and training to researchers and staff on PAM expectations and best practices.
- Educate personnel on the importance of compliance and ethical treatment of animals.
Collaboration - Work closely with the IACUC, veterinarians, and other relevant committees to ensure alignment of training programs with institutional policies and federal regulations.
- Collaborate with the research supervisors and the IACUC Training Program to integrate PAM-related training into existing programs.
- Work closely with IACUC members, veterinarians, and research personnel to address compliance issues.
- Collaborate with researchers to develop corrective action plans and monitor progress.
- Participate in IACUC meetings and provide updates on PAM activities.
PAM Documentation and Records: - Document findings from PAM visits, including observations, deficiencies, and recommendations.
- Prepare comprehensive reports for the IACUC, research supervisors, and institutional leadership.
- Maintain accurate records of PAM activities and follow-up actions.
Assessment and Evaluation: - Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback, assessments, and surveys.
- Continuously improve training materials and methods based on feedback and emerging best practices.
- Quality Improvement:
- Analyze trends and patterns in PAM findings to identify systemic issues.
- Propose process improvements and contribute to the enhancement of animal care and research practices.
- Ensure that corrective actions are implemented effectively.
Communication: - Communicate PAM results to research personnel in a constructive and supportive manner.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Serve as a resource for researchers seeking guidance on compliance matters.
- Provide leadership for interna and external outreach to support the humane use of animals in research (e.g., Biomedical Research Awareness Day).
Professional Development: - Stay informed about changes in regulations, guidelines, and best practices related to PAM.
- Attend relevant conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
Education / Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, veterinary science, education), veterinary clinical degree, or a minimum of 3 years or relevant experience. Advanced degrees preferred.
- Experience working in an IACUC or similar regulatory compliance role.
- Knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy) and ethical principles related to animal research.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
Licensure, Certification and / or Registration
- Licensed veterinary technician
- Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (preferred)
Skills and Qualifications
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Supervisory skills, including the ability to foster teamwork
- Experience with computerized databases and word processing
- Organizational attention to detail
Work Environment
- Clean, well-lit office environment
- May be subject to interruptions
About UsWake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. WFUSM, the academic core of Atrium Health Enterprise, is a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery. WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise. Atrium Health is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. AHWFB is an 885-bed tertiary-care hospital in Winston-Salem - that includes Brenner Children's Hospital, five community hospitals, more than 300 primary and specialty care locations and more than 2,700 physicians. Our highly integrated academic and clinical environment is deeply committed to improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing - for all. It should be noted that while you are applying on the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Career Site, you will receive communications from the Atrium Health Recruitment Team. Please know that this is an expected process. Thanks in advance for your flexibility.About the Team
Mission, Vision and Culture CommitmentsMission To improve health, elevate hope and advance healing - for all.
Vision To be the first and best choice for care.
Culture Commitments We create a space where all Belong We Work as One to make great things happen We earn Trust in all we do We Innovate to better the now and create the future We drive for Excellence - always