IACUC Compliance Manager

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits

Wellness programs

Flexible work arrangements

Retirement savings options

Job summary

Northwestern University in Chicago is seeking an IACUC Compliance Manager to serve as a liaison with federal regulators and accreditation bodies, guiding institutional readiness for external oversight. You will lead the development and oversight of a comprehensive compliance program for animal care and use, supervising staff and aligning activities with applicable regulations and policies.

The role requires deep knowledge of PHS Policy, USDA rules, SOPs, and effective training, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or healthcare field.
• 5+ years direct IACUC experience.
• Experience with electronic IACUC submissions systems.
• Certified IACUC Professional (CPIA).
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead inspection and audit programs ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise leadership on impact.
• Manage confidential noncompliance investigations and triage.
• Oversee reporting to the Committee with findings and risk assessments.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with safety, veterinary, and facilities teams.
• Develop and maintain IACUC policies and SOPs.
• Mentor and guide compliance staff.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

IACUC

Leadership

Documentation

Training

Reporting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Huron Click IACUC

Outlook

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Location Chicago, Illinois

Department: IACUC Office

Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Director, the IACUC Compliance Manager serves as a liaison with federal regulatory agencies and accreditation organizations, supporting institutional readiness and ongoing compliance with external oversight requirements.

The IACUC Compliance Manager leads the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive compliance program that supports a high-quality animal care and use program. This role provides direct supervision to compliance staff and ensures program activities align with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as institutional policies.

The Manager applies in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements governing animal research (including PHS Policy, USDA regulations, and related standards) to independently guide decision-making, provide subject matter expertise, and mentor team members. The Manager also contributes to continuous process improvement by developing guidance, enhancing internal workflows, and strengthening compliance practices.

As a member of the IACUC Office leadership team, this role shares responsibility for advancing strategic goals and operational success. The Manager models and promotes the Office for Research values of Empathy, Accountability, Fairness, Community, and Creativity, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

* This job description does not cover all aspects of the position.

Specific Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Lead and direct inspection and audit programs, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of operations and full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations and advises management how that may affect the IACUC Office.
• Serve as a resource for federal, state, and local regulations when questions and issues arise from day-to-day operations.
• Oversee the intake, evaluation, and resolution of confidential allegations of noncompliance, ensuring appropriate triage, documentation, and follow-through.
• Develop, analyze, and present comprehensive reports on noncompliance allegations to the Committee, including findings, risk assessments, and recommended actions.
• Lead and coordinate IACUC Chair and Committee meeting processes, ensuring all activities meet regulatory requirements and institutional standards.
• Maintain compliance related documents and files as required by records retention laws.
• Write documents and reports that are subject to professional and regulatory review that convey outcomes of inspections and audits.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Research Safety, Veterinary, Office of Research (OR) business partners, and Facilities Management to support faculty needs and ensure all animal use space requests are appropriate, strategically aligned, and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Process and review protocol requests for animal use space ensuring all required elements are addressed.
• Manage the development, review, and ongoing maintenance of IACUC policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), animal activity protocols (AAPs), and program guidelines to ensure regulatory compliance and best practices.
• Serve as a leader of the IACUC compliance staff and models best practices.
• Fulfill all of the duties and responsibilities of a Compliance Analyst.

Analysis and Training

• Track and report trends related to compliance inspections, noncompliance investigations, and audits.
• Determine training needs relative to inspections and noncompliance outcomes to ensure the highest standards in the animal care and use program.
• Responsible for training and educating new IACUC members and staff on the inspection process.
• Track and report metrics related to inspections and audits.

Other

• Participates in specials projects for the office.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a scientific, healthcare or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience where similar knowledge, skills and abilities were acquired.
• 5 or more years of direct IACUC experience.
• Experience with an electronic IACUC submission system.
• Certified IACUC Professional credential (CPIA).
• Demonstrated characteristics: adaptability, agility, collegiality, customer focus, ethical judgment, multi-tasking, and integrity.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Ability to effectively communicate research regulations and guidance in writing and verbally to a broad, diverse audience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.
• Possess positive interpersonal and time management skills.
• Proficient using Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and general PC knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant academic field.
• Experience with Huron's Click IACUC software.

Preferred Competencies (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience writing SOP's and training materials.
• Background that includes statistical and trend analysis.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $95,000-$113,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parentalleave;tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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