Vivarium Operations Lead

University of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Ottawa is seeking an experienced supervisor to manage human resource assignments for animal care and use activities at the uOttawa animal facilities, ensuring training and regulatory compliance. The role supports research viability by coordinating staff, equipment, and SOPs across facilities.

Reporting to the Manager, Animal Care Operations, you will oversee staffing, sanitation, and biosecurity, liaise with researchers and veterinary staff, and contribute to SOP development to

Qualifications

• Formal veterinary training and 5 years' supervision in animal research.
• Five (5) years of experience managing or supervising activities in an animal research environment.
• Experience in HR policy administration and team conflict management.
• Ability to gain consensus and foster collaborations.
• Development of complex work schedules and SOPs for an animal facility.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and supervise equitable daily task assignments across Roger Guindon Hall and Vanier Hall facilities.
• Coordinate cage wash, species-specific husbandry, veterinary nursing and experimental treatments scheduling.
• Communicate with research teams to plan support staff and equipment needs.
• Oversee vivaria operations to ensure regulatory compliance (CCAC Guide, Act, Policy 31).
• Schedule sanitation and biosecurity protocols to protect animal health and reduce variables.
• Liaise with team leaders, manager of operations, veterinarian and researchers to share information.

Skills

Veterinary nursing

HR policy administration

Staff supervision

Conflict management

Scheduling expertise

Education

Diploma from CVMA-recognized Veterinary Tech program or BSc in a relevant discipline

RLAT CALAS certification (preferred)

Job description

The University of Ottawa is seeking an experienced supervisor to manage human resource assignments for animal care and use activities at the uOttawa animal facilities, ensuring training and regulatory compliance. The role supports research viability by coordinating staff, equipment, and SOPs across facilities.

Reporting to the Manager, Animal Care Operations, you will oversee staffing, sanitation, and biosecurity, liaise with researchers and veterinary staff, and contribute to SOP development to