Animal Lab Supervisor

University of North Dakota; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 57,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Dakota seeks an Animal Lab Supervisor to oversee the vivarium and staff, ensuring care for research animals and compliance with all SOPs. The role coordinates with Safety Officers, Attending Veterinarian, IACUC Chair, researchers and leadership to implement safety policies.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, plus leadership experience in a vivarium and strong knowledge of animal welfare and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related science field required.
• Two years managing vivarium staff or similar leadership experience.
• Four years of experience with rodent species (mice, rats) in a research setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vivarium activities and ensure daily animal health checks.
• Manage animal care staff and staffing schedules for holidays/workload.
• Maintain records, facility equipment, and ensure compliance with procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Multi-tasking

Detail oriented

Regulatory compliance

IACUC knowledge

Communication skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Teams

Word

Job description

Salary/Position Classification

• $67,400+ Annual, Dependent on experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Animal Lab Supervisor oversees the animal lab technicians who provide care for research animals ensuring the care is meeting all appropriate protocols and standard operating procedures. The supervisor is responsible for inventory management, training animal lab technicians, keep all stakeholders informed of status and changes at the facilities, Collaborate with Safety Officers, Attending Veterinarian, IACUC Chair, researchers, and HNRC Leadership to implement the safety and IACUC policies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage Vivarium activities
  • Ensure that laboratory animals are properly provided with food and water, and that their health is checked daily (365 days per year)
  • Schedule laboratory space and staff time as needed to provide laboratory animals as needed by HNRC researchers
  • Arrange Vivarium staffing to provide animal care 365 days per year
  • Order animals as needed
  • Keep HNRC leadership informed of Vivarium activities as needed
  • Ensure that a clean and safe environment is maintained in the Vivarium
  • Establish and maintain the facility staff work assignment schedules
  • Complete animal care tasks as needed to ensure adequate coverage
  • Review and maintain facility records
  • Maintain equipment and maintenance records. Procure items required for the care of research animals in a timely manner
  • Follow up with Purchasing when items fail to arrive when expected
• Manage Animal care staff
  • Hire animal care technicians
  • Oversee day-to-day execution of job duties
  • Plan for staff scheduling and routine husbandry coverage for overtime, weekend, and holidays
  • Train technicians on HNRC SOPs and ensure animal technicians follow procedures
  • Perform coaching and counseling to trouble-shoot personnel issues, and perform yearly performance reviews
  • Develop and update processes, procedures, and protocols
• General employee duties
  • Submit timely leave requests to supervisor using online UND system. Notify supervisor and Federal work director of absences
  • Read and respond as needed to messages on UND email account and Federal email account
  • Responsible for any work-issued keys, badges, and equipment
  • Know and follow UND policies and procedures
  • Know and follow Federal policies and procedures as they pertain to UND employees at the HNRC
  • Complete all university and ARS required training in a timely manner

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, teamwork, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to handle oral and written instructions.
• Excellent customer service.
• Familiar with regulatory compliance (e.g., IACUC, NIH, AAALAC, OLAW, DEA, FDA).
• Clear understanding of management principles.
• Clear understanding of human resources basics.
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word
• Ability to apply fundamental principles of sanitation and disinfection.
• Flexible adjusting work schedules to accommodate varying workloads, including weekends, holidays, and evenings to accommodate business needs.
• Demonstration of strong writing skills and documented ability to keep well-documented, accurate work records.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biology or another science, or a related area.
• Two years managing or leading vivarium staff.
• Four years of experience with rodent research animal species (mice, rats) handling and their appropriate use.
• Experience working in an animal research facility with knowledge of facility operations, equipment, and supplies.
• Two years’ experience with the understanding of animal welfare and the importance of ethical use of animals in research.
• One-year supervisory experience in providing feedback, coaching, leadership.
• Experience with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (The Guide) and IACUC-approved research protocols.
• Successful completion of Federal Fingerprinting and Federal background check.
• United States citizenship required based upon USDA agreement requirement.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identityand eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years supervisory experience in an animal care facility.
• AALAS certification as a Certified Manager Animal Resources.