Description

Position Summary

Indiana University School of Medicine ( IUSM ) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to be the Director of Laboratory Animal Resource Center ( LARC ) and Attending Veterinarian who will be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive, high-quality, ethical animal resource program. The individual will have a faculty appointment in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences at IUSM . The academic rank will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and level of experience.

The individual would fulfill all "important aspects of the role of the Attending Veterinarian and the program of veterinary care" as outlined by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care ( AAALAC ) International and as outlined in the Indiana University OLAW program description. This includes responsibility for ensuring all AAALAC -accredited animal facilities meet required standards to ensure animal welfare.

The IUSM program includes all the School of Medicine facilities responsible for oversight and care of research projects that utilize animal models by faculty on the campus of Indiana University Indianapolis campus as well as the Richard L. Roudebush VAMC . This individual will also be the AV for the Indiana University Indianapolis ( IUI ) School of Science Animal Resource Center ( SARC ) and Indiana University Health.

This position has dual reporting to the Executive Associate Dean for Research Affairs at IUSM and the Vice President for Research who serves as the Institutional Official (IO). The individual is expected to collaborate closely with these individuals and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees to assure IU's animal care and use program remains in compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and procedures for ongoing assessment and oversight of animal welfare. The successful individual must be extremely familiar with and able to ensure adherence to AAALAC , the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare and U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements.

IUSM and IUI School of Science will rely on this position to provide leadership and serve as the point person for animal care partnerships between IU and other institutions. This role also includes strategic planning and implementation to improve the animal research-related functions and facilities within IU's animal program. The individual works closely with university leadership to ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to animal research and engages across the institution to ensure alignment with organizational initiatives, specifically the IUSM 2030 Strategic Plan which aligns with the IU 2030 : The Indiana University Strategic Plan . The Director of LARC , is accountable for the budget management, finances, and operations of the LARC , in alignment with internal and external guidance and policies.

Importantly, the Director of Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Attending Veterinarian plays a proactive role in: 1) identifying and raising awareness regarding current and potential future issues impacting animal welfare; 2) developing and recommending solutions to current and/or future issues to relevant parties; and 3) ensuring that solutions are executed in a timely manner in collaboration with relevant regulatory officials and/or university colleagues across divisions and/or elevating any lingering issue to ensure appropriate actions are executed as necessary.

The Director of Laboratory Animal Resources and Attending Veterinarian is responsible for the following functions among other duties as assigned:

• Ensure the alignment of LARC efforts with institutional strategic initiatives and plans.
• Support the changing needs of IUSM and IUI School of Science investigators and provide expert advice and assistance to researchers in the ethical conduct of animal studies, including support of safety programs where radioactive materials, toxic chemicals, and/or biohazards are used in animals.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the operation and performance of all LARC activities.
• Develop and implement the budget.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and maintenance of methodology for research cost recovery and other financial guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable regulations and standards (internal and external) regarding animal care and use.
• Serve as the IUSM and IUI School of Science Attending Veterinarian and as a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
• Represent the animal program on committees and groups.
• Collaborate with institutional partners to lead the continued certification of accrediting and regulatory bodies (e.g., AAALAC , USDA ).
• Ensure maintenance of proper records and support timely submission of required regulatory and internal reports.
• Ensure education and training of animal research and care personnel in the proper procedures of animal care and use.

The Organization

Indiana University is one of the top research universities in the world, with over $785 million in sponsored research awards last year. Growing transformative research and creativity, innovation, industry engagement, and commercialization are key goals in IU 2030 : The Indiana University Strategic Plan.

The Laboratory Animal Resource ( LARC ) is dedicated to providing the highest quality of veterinary medical care, husbandry, enrichment and professional technical support to enable researchers to perform and interdisciplinary research. IUSM Laboratory Animal program oversees 8 vivariums, with 2 more vivariums being built, and the IUI School of Science vivarium with a variety of animal species and professional staff supporting IUSM and IUI School of Science researchers. IUSM is home to 25 academic departments and $519 million in active externally funded grants in calendar year 2023.

Opportunities for the AV/ LARC

Develop a strategic plan incorporating continuous quality improvement.

This role is responsible for strategic planning and implementation to improve the animal research-related functions and facilities within IUSM and IUI's animal program. This includes, but is not limited to, the development and conduct of a comprehensive, high-quality, ethical animal resources program in support of the research and teaching missions of Indiana University. This program ensures proper husbandry, housing, veterinary medical care, and handling of laboratory animals, as well as protection of the public trust in research through compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and animal welfare standards.

Foster a culture of support to ensure animal welfare compliance.

The AV/ LARC works closely with university leadership to ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to animal research and engages across the institution to ensure alignment with organizational initiatives. This position has direct program authority and responsibility for the Institution's animal care and use program, including access to all animals, and is expected to be a resource for all animal-related research activities conducted by faculty on the Indianapolis campus.

Additional Information

This is an open, national, and rolling search. Review of applications will begin immediately as they are received. Candidates meeting all the required qualifications may be contacted immediately for inquiry and interview. It is possible that a preferred candidate may be selected as other applications are still being received. Therefore, the most serious and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible to Jessica DellaRosa ( [email protected] ) in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at IUSM .

Application materials should include: 1) a full and updated resume, 2) cover letter summarizing interest in the position and how the minimum qualifications and any preferred qualifications are met, and 3) a list of four references with full contact information. However, references will only be contacted after written consent of the candidate.

About Indianapolis:
IUSM is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the State of Indiana. It is growing economically thanks to a strong corporate base anchored by the life sciences. Indiana is home to one of the largest concentrations of health sciences companies in the nation. Indianapolis has a sophisticated blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. The growing residential base is supported by rich amenities and quality of life - the city possesses a variety of professional sports, arts venues and outdoor recreation areas. Residents of this dynamic city, and surrounding suburbs, enjoy leading educational systems and top-ranked universities, paired with a diverse population. Indianapolis International Airport is a top-ranked international airport, being named "Best Airport in North America" by Airports Council International for many years. For additional information on life in Indy: https://faculty.medicine.iu.edu/relocation

Basic Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications of the AV/ LARC :

• Hold a veterinary degree from an AVMA accredited institution.
• Licensed (or eligible) to practice veterinary medicine in Indiana.
• ACLAM Diplomate required.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in administration of laboratory animal services.
• Possess a demonstrated history of collaborative oversight of animal welfare for research.

Preferred Minimum Qualifications of the AV/ LAR :

• DVM with laboratory experience and eligibility for licensure in the state of Indiana.
• ACLAM Diplomate required.
• Research experience and advanced academic degree preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of demonstrated operational and fiscal leadership experience in laboratory animal research. Preference will be given to candidates with senior veterinary leadership experience in an academic or private sector research environment.
• Demonstrated success in working with researchers and leading/managing teams and programs.
• A deep understanding of regulatory and compliance bodies, rules, and regulations, and experience with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to have direct physical contact with and prolonged exposure to all animal species common to laboratory animal medicine on a continuing basis (including but not limited to swine, dogs, rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, fish, frogs, salamanders)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs weight when required in handling or assisting with veterinary care of animals
• Position requires employees to walk and stand for up to four consecutive hours when conducting inspections of animal facilities and laboratories; prolonged standing may also occur when performing some types of surgery
• Must have full range of body movement
• Must have correctable vision to observe animals for signs of illness and evaluate animal room and equipment for compliance with applicable standards
• Ability to wear respiratory protection (an N-95 when fit-tested or a PAPR ) when respiratory protection is required

Equipment Utilized:

• Familiarity with equipment used in animal housing (feeding, watering, sanitation, environmental monitoring) and ability to train employees on the correct use and maintenance
• Use of surgical and support equipment (fluid pump, water circulating blanket, anesthesia machine, cautery, ventilator, ECG , pulse oximeter, other physiological monitors)
• Diagnostic equipment (microscope, fluoroscopy, sound/vibration monitor, ATP monitors, incubators, ect.)
• Knowledge of computer-based software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) and ability to use electronic software programs for medical case management and IACUC systems

Special Conditions:

• IU will not sponsor work authorization for this position
• A criminal background check will be mandatory for the selected applicant
• Must pass a post-offer, pre-placement medical evaluation to include a medical history and physical examination
• Participation in the occupational health program for animal workers is required
• The academic rank will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and level of experience

Department Contact for Questions

Jessica DellaRosa, SHRM - SCP
Associate Director, HR
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
[email protected]

Special Instructions

Please include (1) a letter of interest, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information for 3 references.