ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL & SCIENTIFIC RESOURCES

Req #:240138Department:WASHINGTON NATIONAL PRIMATE CENTER (WaNPRC)Appointing Department Web Address:Job Location: Health Sciences Center Job Location Detail:This position is primarily on site. It is possible to work from home sometimes: Hybrid. Posting Date:10/28/2024 Closing Info: Open Until Filled  Salary:$18,421 - $20,833 per month Other Compensation:Shift:First Shift  Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.  UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.  The Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time Associate Director of Animal and Scientific Resources. The Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) is one of seven National Research Centers continuously funded by the National Institutes of health since the 1960s. WaNPRC supports the research enterprise at the University of Washington and partners with others in the Seattle area, across the United States and globally to support their research aimed at improving human health and promoting the highest standards of care, health, well-being and conservation for primates around the world. WaNPRC is a large research organization with 5 units of scientific excellence; neuroscience, infectious disease and translational medicine, gene therapy and regenerative medicine, global conservation, education and outreach and animal and scientific resources. We are seeking a motivated, mission-driven, and talented individual to strategize and guide the leadership of WaNPRC on ensuring the best support for animal care and scientific excellence across WaNPRC. POSITION PURPOSEThe primary purpose of this position is to fulfill the mission of WaNPRC which is to empower the delivery of leading-edge scientific discoveries and to promote the highest standards of care, health, well-being and conservation for primates around the world. In conjunction with our Mission Statement, these values link this position to our purpose as a Center: Commitment to Foundational Research Teamwork Accountability Productivity Clear and Respectful Communication The Associate Director of Animal & Scientific Resources provides leadership for the Animal Resources Division of the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) under the leadership of the WaNPRC Director.  The Associate Director manages the activities of 100+ staff members to ensure the health and well-being of nonhuman primates at the WaNPRC, maintain regulatory compliance, and support cutting edge research. The Associate Director of Animal & Scientific Resources has broad oversight and leadership responsibilities for the Division of Animal Resources. Within this framework, this position involves oversight of the units assigned to the Division of Animal Resources. These units include Veterinary Services, NHP Breeding, Comparative Pathology Services, Husbandry, Research Support, Pathogen Detection Services Laboratory, Behavioral Management Services, Records & Logistics, Facilities and Maintenance, Inventory Management, Training & Orientation, and Occupational Health & Biosafety, which function both in Seattle, Washington and Mesa, Arizona. The Associate Director is expected to support academic research activities within the division and opportunities that exist for development of independent research interests. Within the limits of available resources, the Division of Animal Resources must provide the components necessary to ensure a high level of animal care and successful completion of research studies utilizing nonhuman primates. These components include all aspects of animal resource management; acquisition and production, husbandry, veterinary medicine and surgery, psychological well-being and environmental enrichment, pathology, and health and genetics monitoring. Additionally, this position is integral to assuring Primate Center and University compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies, guidelines and policies. This position is expected to maintain and provide expert guidance and advice regarding care and use of nonhuman primates on a local, national, and international level. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDivision administrative management (budget, personnel, grant prep., etc.) (50%)This position manages a P51 base grant allocation of $4.3 million per year, a U42 breeding colony grant of $2 million per year, along with two cost centers for animal resources totaling approximately $4 million per year. This position has oversight for >100 personnel, including both direct and indirect supervision. Personnel responsibilities include hiring, promotions, performance management, and providing guidance to managers and supervisors. Taking into account budget and workload, this position determines staffing levels and positions within the Animal Resources units. This position acts as Principal Investigator for the U42 breeding colony grant, and participates in grant preparation for areas related to Animal Resources, and specific research interests as appropriate. This position participates in strategic planning for the WaNPRC, and participates in ongoing planning and management discussions to successfully resolve pertinent issues and challenges. Produce/compile reports needed for grant reporting to funding agencies and compliance with federal and state regulations. Manage the M. nemestrina breeding colony, including maintaining animal production to meet investigator needs, ensuring specific-pathogen free status, and maintaining genetic diversity. Provide general direction for facility-related projects, prioritizing where needed based on budget and research needs. Provide general direction for implementation of technological solutions. For example, work with the Technology Innovations group to improve electronic animal records, automate animal ordering and procedure requests, and move from paper to electronic recording of husbandry procedures. Collaborative research support for protocol development, support, and oversight (20%)Provide guidance to investigators regarding the requirements for performing research at the WaNPRC, and assist with project initiation. Work with investigators and ARD units to ensure support for research projects is in place. Facilitate communication between ARD units and investigators to maximize research production and animal welfare. Ensure that ARD units have the resources and personnel available to support research projects. Supervise the ARD units that provide research support. Provide expert guidance to local and national investigators regarding protocol development and research with NHP. Compliance management and oversight (20%)Providing a fully compliant, efficient system and portfolio of services that meet the current and evolving needs of the animals, research community, local and national regulatory agencies, WaNPRC personnel and external partners. Ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service policies, and the guidelines for AAALAC accreditation, including maintaining best practices for animal care and environmental enhancement for the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates. Manage the IACUC protocol for the NHP colony, the Biological Use Authorization for the vivarium, DEA licenses for controlled substances, and other licenses and certifications as required to meet regulatory requirements. Develop and revise WaNPRC policies and procedures regarding animal care and use. Provide oversight to ensure that ARD personnel and WaNPRC investigators maintain compliance with IACUC policies and protocols. Work with the Office of Animal Welfare and the Attending Veterinarian to resolve any concerns regarding the care and use of NHP at the primate center. Develop and maintain systems to provide internal quality assurance for ARD. Senior Leadership Team, NPRC Consortium participation (10%)Consultative and training/educational interaction with the Department of Comparative Medicine and other University of Washington and external units will be expected. Have membership on both the Senior Leadership Team and NPRC Consortium working groups, and will be an integral part of the leadership team for the WaNPRC. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Associate Director of Animal & Scientific Resources actively models the WaNPRC Core Values of commitment to research, teamwork, accountability, productivity, and communications and fosters development of these values throughout the Center. Participate in long range strategic planning processes to develop and implement effective strategic goals and directions for the Center. Provide information and recommendations to the Director and Senior Management Team regarding components of Animal Resources Division. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSDoctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of research compliance in a scientific, research or academic setting, including at least 5 years relevant, substantive experience interpreting and applying federal regulations in a research-intensive environment, including a senior leadership role related to animal research compliance. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSDistinguished record of research and/or nonhuman primate management and extensive experience with the AAALAC accreditation and regulatory compliance processes. Broad knowledge of the appropriate, ethical and progressive conduct of nonhuman primate animal research including federal regulations regarding animal research activities, protocol development and research support, and the responsible conduct of research training programs. Vision to create and implement an effective, productive, responsive and collaborative program and services that promotes ethical and responsible use of laboratory animals and respects the time, effort and contributions of all personnel. Managerial expertise in personnel supervision and development, financial management, strategic planning, compliance, change management, and ongoing process improvement. Fiscal experience and expertise in budget preparation, budget management and review, complex analysis relating to fiscal components of program operations and strategic objectives. Strong communication, interpersonal, oral and writing skills combined with a faculty/investigator-oriented, customer service approach. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a diverse faculty, staff and investigators across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Documented experience in successful grant writing, monitoring and reporting. Ability to work independently and collaboratively and apply sound judgment to complex, confidential and/or highly-sensitive communication. Understanding of and experience with developing and managing communication and information operations in a complex biomedical research facility. Excellent organization skills with the ability to lead and work effectively under pressure, manage multiple tasks in multiple venues concurrently, meet deadlines and respond to emerging priorities. Familiarity with electronic research management systems and supporting technological infrastructure required for a modern and responsive animal research enterprise. Identifies, integrates and implements processes and systems in consultation with ARD staff, TI, Senior Leadership Team, and others to meet the needs of the WaNPRC and research community. Experience consulting with scientific and technical personnel regarding animal research and required resources, including the development and implementation life cycle of animal research protocols. Documented ability to serve as a strong advocate for investigators and personnel in all areas of animal research, and capacity to promote the UW and WaNPRC as leaders in responsible, ethical research to external constituencies. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONSDVM, DACLAM, PhD, MBA, peer academic research institution experience and/or NPRC experience LEAN or similar formal process improvement certification and training CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENTEmployment is contingent upon successful completion of health assessment at the UW's Employee Health Clinic. The health assessment may include but is not limited to tuberculosis clearance, measles clearance, serum banking, immunizations, such as COVID, tetanus and vaccinia, physical exam and/or review of work health history, x-rays, and/or assessment to wear positive or negative respiratory protective equipment. These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignment. May be required to work with and take specific precautions, against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents. Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing. Employee is personally responsible for following health & safety and security policies/procedures. Adhere to the WaNPRC Environmental Enhancement Plan requirements for NHPs. Participate in the Behavioral Management and Positive Reinforcement Primate Training Programs. Develop a working knowledge of classical and operant conditioning principles and how they apply to handling primates in a research environment, with positive reinforcement as the expectation. Develop a working knowledge of non-human primate behavior. Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.