Animal Ethics and Compliance Specialist

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 72,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public research university in Ontario seeks an Animal Ethics & Compliance Specialist. Responsibilities include managing compliance processes, assessing Animal Use Protocols, and supporting researchers on ethical oversight. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree and four years of related experience, with strong communication and organizational skills. This full-time position offers competitive salary and benefits in a dynamic research environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual step progression

Qualifications

• Minimum four years of relevant experience in research administration and regulatory compliance related to animal care.
• Experience coordinating an Animal Care Committee (ACC).
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage compliance processes ensuring continuity of research activities involving animals.
• Assess Animal Use Protocol submissions and restrict funding as necessary.
• Provide guidance on policy interpretation and ethics processes.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an animal research-related field

Tools

Animal protocol management software

Microsoft 365 applications

Job description

Date Posted: 09/10/2025
Req ID: 44588
Faculty/Division: VP - Research
Department: Research Oversight & Compliance Office
Campus:St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00058009

About us

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possible so that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best — advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and the private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

Your opportunity

The Animal Ethics & Compliance Specialist plays a critical role in the administration and oversight of the University’s Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP), supporting the University’s compliance with federal and provincial regulatory frameworks, funding agency requirements, and institutional policies. This position involves independent assessment, coordination, and communication across a complex and evolving research environment.

Reporting to the Program Manager of Animal Ethics & Compliance and supervised by the Animal Ethics & Compliance Supervisor, the Specialist is responsible for managing compliance processes that ensure the continuity of research activities involving animals. This includes assessing Animal Use Protocol (AUP) submissions, restricting funding where necessary, and coordinating key activities of the various ACUP committees.

The Specialist is the first point of contact for members of the animal research community, providing guidance on policy interpretation, ethics processes, and regulatory obligations. With access to sensitive research and funding information, the role demands sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders.

This is a great opportunity for a compliance-focused professional with hands-on knowledge of animal research environments, a deep understanding of ethical review procedures, and the ability to navigate the intersection of policy, operations, and research.

Your responsibilities will include

• Responding to enquiries within the defined scope of the role and redirecting as appropriate
• Providing detailed information on processes, policies, and procedures
• Assessing and determining if Animal Use Protocols submissions meet approval criteria
• Determining when to hold funding linked to lapsed protocols and releasing once approvals are received
• Tracking and monitoring research activities
• Training researchers on guidelines for the ethical conduct of research
• Taking and distributing meeting minutes
• Scheduling committee meetings

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an animal research-related field, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum four (4) years of relevant experience in research administration and regulatory compliance related to animal care and use, preferably in a university or research hospital setting.
• Experience working in animal research and/or teaching environments, with familiarity in AUPs, animal care operations, and oversight processes.
• Experience coordinating an Animal Care Committee (ACC).
• Experience using animal protocol management software/databases to support ACC processes and compliance oversight.
• Experience interpreting and applying Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) policies and guidelines, the Animals for Research Act under the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA), and other applicable legislation, ethical frameworks, and institutional procedures to a wide range of research and teaching scenarios related to animal ethics and compliance.
• Experience navigating the language, culture, structure, requirements, and expectations of the research community, including the University, CCAC, OMAFA, and major funding agencies.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate written communication tailored to academic, scientific, and regulatory audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diplomatically and effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in sensitive or complex situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in compliance documentation and process execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex and evolving research environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, Visio, Forms, etc.

Assets (Nonessential)

• Technical experience working directly with animals in a research or teaching setting.
• Knowledge of or experience with a range of animal models used in biomedical, agricultural, or educational contexts.
• Exposure to or experience supporting pedagogical merit review and scientific merit peer review processes.
• Awareness of and engagement with emerging trends and best practices in animal ethics, compliance, and institutional oversight.

To be successful in this role you will be

• Adaptable
• Diplomatic
• Multi-tasker
• Resourceful
• Tactful

Closing Date: 09/23/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 10 -- $72,119. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $92,226. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Anita Chooraman

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.