ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT-ANIMAL RESOURCES

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT-ANIMAL RESOURCES

The Associate Vice President for Animal Resources will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight for UAB's Animal Resources Program (ARP). This role is critical in ensuring the highest standards of animal care and use in research, maintaining rigorous regulatory compliance, and fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Serve as a member of the leadership team for the Vice President for Research and work with institutional stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for animal research, care, and use, ensuring alignment with UAB's institutional research objectives.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the operation and performance of all ARP facilities, resources, personnel, and activities.
• Assess the strategic need and lead requests for institutional funding for infrastructure projects and major equipment purchases for ARP.
• Anticipate and address the future needs of the UAB research community, positioning ARP to provide essential animal care support and scientific direction.
• Oversee UAB's Animal Resources Program, including animal purchasing, husbandry, veterinary medical care, and financial and business operations.
• Oversee management of physical assets, including facilities, equipment, and space, ensuring efficient and effective use. Participate in renovation and construction planning within ARP space.
• Develop and manage budgets, allocate resources, and oversee staffing and training to support ARP's mission.
• Cultivate a culture of excellence, innovation, and institutional pride among investigators and ARP staff.
• Evaluate and pursue external funding opportunities (e.g., competitive grants) to support and enhance ARP facilities, equipment, and services.
• Oversee implementation of new animal management software/systems aligned with UAB's electronic research administration modernization initiative to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Position UAB as a leader in laboratory animal resource management through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
• Grow and maintain scientific research as a key part of the ARP culture.
• Supervise and mentor four to ten direct reports.

Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation

• Maintain a deep understanding of regulatory bodies, rules, and regulations governing animal care and use.
• Serve as a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), providing guidance to ensure regulatory compliance and animal welfare.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable regulations and standards, including AWAR, PHS Policy, and other animal welfare oversight and accrediting bodies.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to the ethical and humane treatment of animals in research, teaching, and testing activities.
• Lead efforts to maintain AAALAC accreditation, including overseeing preparation for site visits and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and manage emergency preparedness plans for ARP facilities.

Veterinary Care and Welfare

• Serve as the University Attending Veterinarian, maintaining authority and responsibility for the health and daily care of all laboratory animals at UAB.
• Provide veterinary medical care and consultation to researchers, ensuring the health and well-being of a diverse range of laboratory animals.
• Develop and implement emergency response protocols for veterinary issues, ensuring timely and effective care.
• Manage and mentor veterinary staff, overseeing their development, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Provide guidance on animal research procedures, including anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care.
• Ensure the adequacy of the veterinary care program, including clinical, preventive, and emergency care.
• Provide expert advice and training to principal investigators and laboratory staff to promote understanding and compliance with animal welfare standards.
• Oversee animal activities for the Birmingham VA Healthcare System.

Research Support and Collaboration

• Provide expert advice on animal care practices and research protocols, helping to resolve issues and ensure seamless communication.
• In collaboration with the IACUC, ensure education and training of animal research and care personnel in proper procedures and best practices.
• Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in animal welfare, veterinary care, and husbandry practices, adapting protocols to meet evolving needs.
• Contribute to grant and contract applications, collaborating on extramural funding initiatives that advance research goals.
• Foster collaboration within ARP and across the institution to support and enhance research activities, consistent with UAB's culture and mission as a research university and medical center.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Represent the animal resources program on institutional committees and groups, advocating for the needs and interests of ARP and animal welfare.
• Represent UAB at professional conferences and symposia, staying current with advancements in the field and contributing to the broader scientific community.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing UAB at local, regional, and national levels.
• Assist in the recruitment of high-quality faculty candidates and research teams/programs.
• Grow and expand UAB's nascent externship program.

Perform other duties as assigned

Annual Salary: $ 146,605-$329,860

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
• Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Alabama or eligible for licensure in the state of Alabama within 6 months of employment.
• 10 years of experience in laboratory animal medicine and animal care program management preferred, with a proven track record of leadership and strategic planning.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships and to conduct work in a large and complex unit with efficiency and efficacy.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget development and resource allocation.

Preferred Qualifications

• USDA veterinary accreditation preferred.
• Board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) or equivalent preferred.

Note: A cover letter and resume is required to be submitted with your application submission for consideration.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships and to conduct work in a large and complex unit with efficiency and efficacy.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget development and resource allocation.

UAB Benefits

UAB offers a robust state-funded pension plan through the Teacher's Retirement System of Alabama (RSA), a generous up to 5% retirement match in UAB's voluntary retirement account, and additional RSA benefits. UAB also provides educational assistance for employees and their family, parental leave, and exclusive discounts on tickets for various cultural and entertainment events. Visit UAB's Benefits webpage at Benefits & Wellbeing for UAB Employees - Human Resources | UAB for a comprehensive list of eligible Benefits.

UAB EEO Statement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.