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.
15% IACUC Post Approval Monitoring and Training
Participate in post approval monitoring of approved IACUC research activities to ensure compliance with IACUC protocols and all applicable policies.
Observe and provide feedback on procedures performed by investigators.
Provide training/retraining to investigators to improve technique.
Correspond with investigators and staff to communicate findings and recommendations.
15% Veterinary Review for Biosafety
Review IBC protocols involving animal use for compliance to federal guidelines and best practices for biosafety (NIH Guidelines, BMBL).
Work with administrative offices to provide investigator feedback for congruency between related IBC and IACUC applications.
Attend and participate in IBC meetings.
Attend and participate in BSL3 Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings.
Assess and update policies and facility SOPs related to use of animals and biosafety compliance requirements set by the IBC.
5% Other Animal Use and IBC Compliance
Inspect animal use areas for facility and equipment containment requirements according to federal guidelines and best practices (NIH Guidelines, BMBL).
Track animal use facilities for IBC compliance needs.
Train RAR veterinarians and fellows as needed in IBC compliance responsibilities.
Flexible Work Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) endorse a work with flexibility approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.
This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profiles One, Two or Three.
Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located
in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities campus.
Flexible Work Profile Two, Regularly Remote - is expected to work in the office/lab at least three days per week. Typically working remotely 1-2 days per week. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities campus.
Flexible Work Profile Three, Mostly Remote - is expected to typically work in the office/lab 1-2 days per week. Working remotely at least three days per week. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location.
The IACUC office management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.