Vivarium Manager

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia (IL)

On-site

USD 64,000 - 74,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid leave and holidays

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Vivarium Manager to lead day-to-day operations of a rodent facility in the Division of Animal Resources. The role requires ensuring animal welfare, adherence to SOPs, and coordination with care technicians.

The successful candidate will supervise staff, develop and revise SOPs, manage supplies and training, and ensure QA compliance while maintaining disease-free colonies.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Significant experience working in an animal care facility.
Must be able to direct technicians and investigational staff in proper techniques to maintain disease-free rodent colonies.
Must be able to communicate effectively with staff, investigators and supervisors both orally and in writing.
Be proficient in Windows-based PCs—especially Word, Excel and email clients.
Experience in rodent facilities management, biohazard containment including ABSL2 operations, data management and personnel management.
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day management of a rodent facility in line with SOPs and animal welfare regulations.
Direct daily activities of animal care technicians including feeding, sanitation, and health surveillance.
Ensure staff training, supervision and evaluation; manage equipment and supplies.
Develop and revise SOPs with the Assistant Director—Operations and ensure QA compliance.
Communicate facility needs to management and supervisors.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Animal care facility experience

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Windows-based PC proficiency (Word, 8)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

LATG certification (preferred)

Tools

Windows/Excel/Word

Job description

Advertising Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) and Division of Animal Resources (DAR) invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Team as an Vivarium Manager. This is a full time restricted University and Academic Professional position working in the DAR facilities. The Vivarium Manager is responsible for the day to day management of a rodent facility in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) so as to minimize the chances of colony infections…Ensure animals are cared for and maintained in accordance with the Animal Welfare Regulations, U.S. Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals…Direct daily activities of animal care technicians ensuring that husbandry tasks are completed correctly and in a timely fashion. These will include receiving animals, feeding and watering, sanitation and cleaning, handling and restraint, health surveillance, equipment maintenance, supply inventories/ordering…Ensure appropriate staff technical training, supervision and evaluation…Develop and revise animal facility SOP’s in conjunction with the Assistant Director – Operations…Ensure adherence to SOPs, quality assurance guidelines and protocols…Communicate needs for facility equipment, logistical support and management supervisors…Perform other duties as assigned.

Work is Monday through Friday and work hours are scheduled between 7am and 4pm. Weekends and Holidays may be required.

Department Summary

Welcome to VCU ... a world unlike any other.

We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 “most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs.

Here, your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated.

Together, we can be unstoppable!

Office of Research & Innovation, Division of Animal Resources invites applicants to apply for an outstanding opportunity to join our Husbandry Team as an Vivarium Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsible for the day to day management of a rodent facility in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) so as to minimize the chances of colony infections. Ensure animals are cared for and maintained in accordance with the Animal Welfare Regulations, U.S. Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Direct daily activities of animal care technicians ensuring that husbandry tasks are completed correctly and in a timely fashion. These will include receiving animals, feeding and watering, sanitation and cleaning, handling and restraint, health surveillance, equipment maintenance, supply inventories/ordering. Ensure appropriate staff technical training, supervision and evaluation. Develop and revise animal facility SOP’s in conjunction with the Assistant Director – Operations. Ensure adherence to SOPs, quality assurance guidelines and protocols. Communicate needs for facility equipment, logistical support and management supervisors. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Significant experience working in an animal care facility.
Must be able to direct technicians and investigational staff in the proper techniques required to maintain disease free rodent colonies.
Must be able to communicate with their staff, investigators and their supervisors effectively both orally and in written fashion.
Be proficient in the use of Windows based PC’s– especially in Word, Excel and email clients.
Must have experience in rodent facilities management, biohazard containment to include ABSL2 operations, data management and personnel management.
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with facility start up – a plus.
Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science as a Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) preferred.
Some level of post-secondary education strongly preferred.

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes