Research Compliance and Education Specialist

Summary:

The Office of Vice President for Research and Innovation at VCU along with the VCU Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) seeks to hire a full-time Research Compliance and Education Specialist. The Specialist will be responsible for completing the following tasks:
Primary responsibilities include evaluating individual and institutional compliance with federal regulations, investigating compliance concerns, provide onboard training to new investigators and research staff, and to assist with the conduct of post approval compliance monitoring visits.
The main purpose of the Research Compliance & Education Specialist is to:
Ensure institutional compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing the use of animals in research by auditing and/or monitoring Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) functions such as facilities inspections and protocol review. Conduct various audits (IACUC protocols, vet observations, semiannual facility inspection) and report findings to the Director. Perform protocol pre-review for all protocols submitted to IACUC and offer follow-up protocol assistance post-IACUC meeting or assigned by the Director to ensure compliance with ACUP policies. Attend IACUC meetings and other ACUP activities (such as facility inspections and program review subcommittee meetings). Manage adverse events submitted to IACUC and report the findings/follow-up to the Director and IACUC Committee. Investigate compliance concerns by collecting details and facts. Interacts with investigators, research personnel, Division of Animal Resources personnel, and others to gather data and facts pertaining to potential non-compliant activity.
Corresponds with investigators and/or veterinarian(s)/veterinary staff to collect incident details and facts to follow-up on adverse event reports submitted to IACUC. Analyze the findings and make recommendations regarding corrective action plans and reportable noncompliance findings to the Director. Provide guidance to researchers about needed amendments or corrective actions plans. Present details of the AE reports, findings, and outcomes to the IACUC Committee.
Assist/Support with performing inspections for the post-approval compliance monitoring of protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Act as back up Research Liaison Specialist.
Develop and establish a (new) investigator onboarding program to help facilitate research protocol development and comply with VCU Animal Care and Use Program Policies and Guidelines. Provide education to new research investigators and their staff on the VCU guidelines and policies including but not limited to the expectations of the Post-Approval Compliance Monitoring Program. Assist the Director to manage the ACUPAC meetings and work on educational materials for research community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related research/science field. Attention to detail and ability to maintain comprehensive records. Able to work as part of a team. Exceptional communication and organizational skills and ability to work well with others, including investigators and research staff. Ability to work in a diverse environment required. Must be able to read and understand the scientific procedures described in IACUC protocols and critically evaluate IACUC compliance with criteria for approving research and institutional policies. Ability to analyze and assess adequacy of scientific research records for compliance with an approved animal use protocol. Must have experience, advanced knowledge and skills in humanely handling animals, recognizing signs of pain and distress in laboratory animals. Experience in developing and managing educational and compliance programs related to animal research. Extensive knowledge of the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals,” USDA AWA regulations and PHS Policy." Must possess skills and experience in dealing with a variety of educational backgrounds as well as sensitive and confidential issues in a discrete manner. The candidate should have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master/Ph.D. degree preferred in science area. Extensive experience with laboratory animal research or IACUC administration is preferred. Certified Professional IACUC Administration (CPIA) is preferred.

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Emotional Demands:
E Fast Pace
E Average Pace
E Multiple Stimuli
E Frequent change
E Intense customer interaction

Physical Demands and Activities:
E Light lifting (<20 lbs.)
M Moderate lifting (20-50 lbs.)
N/A Heavy lifting (>50 lbs.)
E Pushing/pulling
E Walking
E Standing
M Climbing
E Sitting
M Reaching
M Repetitive motion
M Bending

Mental/Sensory Demands:
E Memory
E Reasoning
E Hearing
E Reading
E Analyzing
E Logic
E Written communication
E Verbal communication

Environmental Conditions:
N/A Extreme heat/cold
N/A Fumes
N/A Extreme noise
N/A Mists/gases
N/A Vibrations

Salary Range: 65,000 - 75,000



Position Details:

Department: Office of Research
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt



UAP - Legal Audit & Compliance


Sr. Auditor 1 25214


ORP Eligible - No


Exempt