Animal Ethics and Compliance Coordinator

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking an Animal Ethics and Compliance Coordinator to support the RIS portfolio, overseeing CCAC-compliant activities and ACUC governance. Reporting to the Manager, this role conducts risk-based reviews, coordinates post-approval monitoring, audits, and ensures accurate documentation and timely follow-up across campuses.

The successful candidate will work with researchers, animal care personnel, veterinarians and facility leaders to promote welfare, compliance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related discipline.
• Experience with animal care, ethics, or compliance programs.
• CALAS certification or RLAT/RMLAT asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead post-approval monitoring and procedure audits across approved sites.
• Perform initial, renewal and risk-based assessments of animal housing and procedural spaces.
• Handle report intake, preliminary triage and follow-up for compliance matters.
• Coordinate calendars, documentation and operational reporting for routine activities.
• Assist in development and maintenance of audit tools, templates and educational resources.
• Collaborate with researchers, animal care personnel, veterinarians, safety partners and ACUC.

Skills

Observational skills

Analytical skills

Interviews & communication

Risk-based thinking

Documentation & reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in life science or related discipline

Registration as veterinary technologist

CALAS certification (RLAT/RMLAT) asset

Job description

Job Description

This position has an expected end date of of March 31, 2028, with a possibility of extension pending funding approval.

Job Description

This position has an expected end date of of March 31, 2028, with a possibility of extension pending funding approval.

Location -

This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in‑person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The University is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative Animal Ethics and Compliance Coordinator to join its Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio.

The RIS portfolio supports the responsible administration of ethics and compliance requirements for research, teaching and testing involving animals. The University’s Animal Care and Use Program operates in accordance with institutional policies and procedures, applicable legislation and standards, and the requirements of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). Animal Care and Use Committees (ACUCs) oversee and approve animal use, while the Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) Program verifies that approved activities are conducted as authorized and that identified concerns are appropriately addressed.

Reporting to the Manager, Animal Ethics and Compliance, the Coordinator plans, conducts, documents and follows up on risk‑based reviews of animal use activities. Work may take place across multiple University campuses, affiliated locations, and approved off‑campus or field sites.

Using an educational, collaborative and risk‑based approach, the Coordinator promotes continuous improvement, strong animal welfare practices, accurate documentation and compliance with approved protocols and program requirements. The position works closely with researchers, animal care personnel, facility leaders, veterinarians, research integrity staff and other institutional partners.

The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, technical knowledge, discretion and strong communication skills to identify and document findings, provide practical guidance within established requirements, and elevate significant, repeated or unresolved concerns appropriately.

Responsibilities

Post-Approval Monitoring and Procedure Audits — 40%

• Maintain a proactive schedule of routine, risk‑based and assigned post‑approval reviews in consultation with the Manager.
• Conduct procedural observations and cage‑side reviews in animal facilities, laboratories, teaching settings, field locations and other approved sites.
• Review relevant records, including procedure and monitoring records, animal identification, breeding and colony records, training documentation, drug and agent records, and other documentation required to assess compliance.
• Compare observed activities with approved Animal Use Protocols (AUPs), amendments, conditions of approval, institutional SOPs, training requirements and applicable CCAC standards.
• Conduct respectful debriefs with research and animal care personnel to clarify established expectations, identify opportunities for improvement and document observations using standardized tools.
• Prepare clear, objective reports that distinguish compliant practices, observations, required corrective actions, recommendations and matters requiring escalation.

Animal Housing, Procedural Space and External Site Assessments — 25%

• Conduct initial, renewal and risk‑based assessments of approved animal housing and procedural spaces, including alternate animal housing locations and temporary or specialized animal use areas.
• Participate in ACUC site visits to animal care facilities and approved external sites.
• Coordinate documentation and track responses to findings and recommendations.
• Assess whether space, equipment, environmental controls, sanitation, security, emergency arrangements, records and local practices are appropriate for approved animal activities.
• Work collaboratively with facility managers, researchers, veterinarians, safety partners and ACUC.
• Maintain inspection and follow‑up records and identify expired, incomplete or unresolved approvals requiring timely action.

Report Intake, Preliminary Triage and Compliance Follow‑up — 20%

• Receive animal welfare, non‑compliance and reportable event information through established program channels, ensuring information is handled confidentially and promptly.
• Conduct preliminary intake by gathering available facts, timelines, records and relevant protocol requirements without making final findings or determinations.
• Apply established risk and triage criteria to distinguish routine or minor matters suitable for operational follow‑up from matters requiring immediate Manager, veterinarian or ACUC review.
• Prepare concise, factual intake summaries and organize supporting documentation for further review when matters are significant, repeated, complex, contested or unresolved.
• Monitor completion of ACUC conditions, corrective actions, protocol changes, animal‑use limits, required training and other institutional requirements.
• Verify implementation of approved corrective actions, document closure.

Program Records, Scheduling and Operational Reporting — 10%

• Coordinate calendars, notifications, documentation and logistics for routine activities.
• Compile operational metrics and summarize recurring observations and trends.
• Conduct periodic record checks to identify overdue requirements, unusual patterns, missing information or other indicators requiring review.
• Prepare routine status summaries for the ACUC and Manager.

Operational Resources, Education and Program Support — 5%

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of operational audit tools, checklists, templates and educational resources under established program standards and direction.
• Contribute to training and outreach for researchers, staff, students and committee members on recurring compliance themes and good practices.
• Provide cross‑coverage for other Animal Ethics and Compliance activities within the scope of the position.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in life science, animal science or a related discipline, or registration as a veterinary technologist.
• Advanced training involving animal‑based research is an asset.
• Certification through the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS), such as RLAT or RMLAT, is an asset.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in animal‑based research, teaching, veterinary care, animal facility operations, quality assurance, compliance or a related environment.
• Direct experience working with multiple animal species and a range of common technical, surgical, monitoring, husbandry or field procedures is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting audits, inspections, investigations or structured assessments is an asset.

Knowledge And Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of CCAC policies and guidelines, the Three Rs, humane endpoints, animal monitoring, analgesia and anesthesia principles, and standards relevant to animal housing, procedures and records.
• Ability to read and interpret complex AUPs, SOPs, conditions of approval, technical records and institutional policies, and to compare approved requirements with observed practices.
• Strong observational, analytical and interviewing skills, with the ability to gather facts objectively and distinguish minor, moderate and significant concerns.
• Strong understanding of animal welfare principles and compliance practices in research, teaching and testing environments.

Communication And Professional Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise, objective and defensible reports and explain requirements respectfully to varied audiences.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and records‑management skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of work and competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated diplomacy, discretion, sound judgment and conflict‑management skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and influence corrective action without direct authority.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with researchers, animal care personnel, veterinarians, facility leaders and institutional partners.

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid Alberta Class 5 (non‑GDL) driver’s license.
• Must be able to provide a recent copy of a three‑year driver’s abstract with no more than six (6) demerits and/or two (2) moving violations within the last two years.
• Ability to travel between University campuses, affiliated locations and approved external or field sites.
• Ability to work in animal care and research environments and conduct on‑site observations and assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and respond appropriately to compliance concerns and reportable events.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l’université à postuler.

About The Team

At The Office of the Vice President - Research (VPR) , research is at the core of what we do. The VPR team supports and advances the university's large and complex research enterprise, providing leadership, guidance and diverse research services.

VPR supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research and partnership activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.