Compliance Veterinarian

Description:

The Compliance Veterinarian supports both the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) at the University of Minnesota in maintaining exemplary compliance programs by reviewing compliance applications/protocols, participating in post-approval monitoring and observation, providing training for investigators on animal-related procedures, and participating in semi-annual inspections of animal housing and use areas. The position reports operationally to the IACUC Director but will also have a significant portion of responsibilities reporting to the IBC Director and the Attending Veterinarian (AV).

The successful Compliance Veterinarian will be detail-oriented, work independently, and have excellent written and oral communication skills. The Compliance Veterinarian will interact with faculty and their staff as well as personnel from numerous University units including: IACUC, OBAO, RAR, HSRM, and the BSL3 Program. This position may have a specialized or dedicated role to provide lead support in areas of expertise or need, but it will share responsibilities with other staff to meet institutional compliance goals. The Compliance Veterinarian will also be expected to foster external connections to other institutions and compliance organizations for professional assistance and development.

This position requires a collaborative working relationship with the AV and Clinical Laboratory Animal Veterinarians:

Report issues to the AV that need to be addressed clinically and programmatically.

Meet with clinical veterinarians on a consistent basis to understand current compliance issues.

Keep up to date with the current recommendations for surgical and medical treatment of research species.

Collaborate with clinical veterinarians regarding specific procedures, techniques, or other clinical needs to identify when researchers are deficient.

Maintain a collaborative and collegial relationship with the clinical veterinary team.

This position is a 100% appointment with the flexibility to complete many tasks remotely, with approximately one day in the office or visiting laboratories per week. The majority of site visits are on the UMN Twin Cities campus, but occasional travel to other facilities is required.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Percentage of time and effort dedicated to each category may vary depending on the specific background and expertise of the Compliance Veterinarian and the needs of the IACUC and IBC offices.

65% Veterinary Review of IACUC protocols and other IACUC tasks

Review IACUC protocols (new submissions, renewals, amendments) across a broad range of animal models and research paradigms and provide recommendations to maintain compliance, enhance animal welfare, improve study design, and assure procedures are in alignment with institutional policies, SOPs, and practices.

Enter comments and review investigator responses in the electronic protocol system (eProtocol).

Attend and participate in IACUC meetings to discuss protocols and other IACUC topics.

Assist with review and updating of policies and SOPs related to use of animals.

Participate in semi-annual inspections of animal use areas.