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Animal Welfare Education Specialist

Employer
Drexel University
Location
Pennsylvania, United States
Salary
Salary Commensurate with experience
Date posted
Jan 27, 2021

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Job Details

About Drexel 

Drexel is a comprehensive global research university ranked among the top 100 in the nation. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities. Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, and a major engine for economic development in the region. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics.  

Job Summary 

The Animal Welfare Education Specialist will support the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) and University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) to ensure animal research activities at Drexel University are in accordance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approved protocols and institutional operating procedures (SOPs). The Education Specialist will employ a variety of methods to train and educate animal researchers and will confirm compliant protocol performance through post-approval meetings, observations, and document review. 

Essential Functions 

  • Post Approval Monitoring including:
    • Coordinate and conduct post-approval monitoring of areas animal research activities for compliance with IACUC approved protocols, institutional policies, federal laws and regulations, and ethical principles for the use of animals in research.
    • Generate reports on areas visited.
    • Maintain compliance database.
    • Review and revise policies and procedures for the Animal Care and Use program in research.
    • Develop and implement policies and procedures for monitoring of the Animal Care and Use Program in research.
    • Conduct training and educational activities.
    • Assist with internal inspections, external inspections and site visits and follow-up.
    • Assist with the organization and implementation of the semi-annual facility inspections and follow up report to the I/O.
  • Training Including:
    • Provide IACUC required species specific hands-on training for scientists and others who care for or use animals used for research, teaching or testing to ensure their proficiency in conducting research. This includes assistance in assessing training programs, preparing training materials, clean-up/set-up, etc.
    • Conduct facility orientation training, including micro-isolator technique, cage labeling, animal ordering, facility access, and waste disposal following all local and federal regulations.
    • Review safe practices for working with biohazardous materials in animals.
    • Provide special techniques labs. These may include anesthesia labs, rodent identification labs, one-on-one technique training, other specialized procedures, or other training as requested by supervisor or designee.
    • Provide general staff training to include one-on-one training, general topic training (sick animal reporting, rodent euthanasia, etc.), or any other training as requested by supervisor or designee.
    • Provide follow-up or remedial training as required by the IACUC.
    • Lead special educational events or initiatives as directed by supervisor (Educational events for scientists, AALAS classes, new ULAR employee orientation, non-animal user training, etc.).
    • Order training supplies and maintain training supply inventory and training animal colonies. Assist in review and tracking monthly bills. Assist in maintaining IACUC protocols. Maintain shared training resources (ULAR Library, AV equipment, Digital camera, etc.).
    • Ability to assist researchers in completing IACUC protocol form.
    • Assist veterinary and facility staff with compliance issues and know when to report problems.
    • Maintain accurate and current records for all trainings/trainees.
    • Maintain accurate animal records, as needed.
    • Review IACUC approved protocols and amendments to ensure appropriate training is provided.
    • Knowledge of IACUC policies and procedures related to animal use.
    • Perform additional duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 2 years of relevant working experience
  • Proficiency in common practices of animal care.
  • Possess good motor coordination to grasp small animals to avoid injury to the animal or the handler.
  • Strong ability to communicate relevant information to all levels of personnel.
  • Knowledge and use of computers.
  • Knowledge of normal animal behavior and ability to identify sick animals.
  • Knowledge of The Guide and regulations related to animal research.
  • The ability to oversee and manage complex reviews of operations involving animals in research.
  • A thorough understanding of federal regulations pertaining to animal welfare and research at a level sufficient to function independently as an adviser to faculty and staff.
  • Ability to interpret research protocol information in relation to federal guidelines and institutional policies, exercise sound judgment and make recommendations and/or decisions regarding research activities for discussion with the Committee and/or Committee Chairs.
  • The ability to use a personal computer to generate reports, charts and presentations with Microsoft Office products.
  • Excellent time management skills with ability to independently prioritize, organize and efficiently deal with multiple ongoing activities and the ability to initiate and complete routine and non-routine tasks.
  • Good written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively by email; and good oral communication skills, including ability to conduct training presentations in front of small groups are mandatory.
  • Must be dedicated to the humane care of laboratory animals.
  • Must become certified as AALAS Technician level within 2 years from employment. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences
  • Master’s Degree in animal related science
  • Certified by American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level
  • Individuals with certification in one or more of the following will be given preference: Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA), Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR), Institute Lab Animal Managers (ILAM), Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) or Certified Veterinary Technician

Physical Demands 

  • Typically sitting at a desk/table
  • Typically standing, walking
  • Lifting demands up to 50 lbs
  • Typically bending, crouching, stooping 

Location 

Center City

Additional Information 

This position is classified as Exempt with a salary grade of K. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/  

Special Instructions to the Applicant 

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application. 

Review of applicants will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. 

Company

Drexel University

Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel is a comprehensive global R1-level research university with a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigor with one of the nation’s premier cooperative education programs.

Drexel University is an urban research university that integrates education, scholarship, diverse partnerships, and our global community to address society’s most pressing challenges through an inclusive learning environment, immersive experiential learning, external partnerships, transdisciplinary and applied research, and creative activity. We prepare graduates of diverse backgrounds to become purpose-driven professionals and agents for positive change

Drexel University II

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