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DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ANIMAL RESOURCES

University of Georgia

University of Georgia

Athens, GA, USA
Posted on Apr 11, 2025
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Posting Details

Posting Details
Posting Number F2320P
Working Title DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ANIMAL RESOURCES
Department VPR-Animal Resources
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The Office of Research encourages and supports innovative interdisciplinary research, scholarship and creative activities that contribute to the physical, emotional and economic well-being of the people of Georgia, the nation and the world. Through partnerships and collaborations, we seek to share knowledge, increase innovation, and deliver the products of our research to the marketplace.
College/Unit/Department website https://research.uga.edu/
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Underutilization Minorities & Females
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date 06/01/2025
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date 03/06/2025
Job Closing Date
Open until filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please upload a CV, letter of interest, and the contact information for 3 references.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information
Classification Title Assoc/Asst Dept Chair/Director/Head AC
FLSA
Faculty Rank Open Rank
Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
Position Summary
The University of Georgia animal care and use program is on the move. We are looking for a great veterinarian to lead our growing AAALAC-accredited program. We are seeking applications and nominations to engage a Director for University Research Animal Resources (URAR). UGA URAR supports a broad variety of research activities using diverse species and promotes continuous development of a high quality, service-oriented research resource that provides optimal animal care. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Research, the Director will provide management, leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for URAR. The Director will manage and oversee a team of high performing individuals and will be responsible for directing and supervising all aspects of URAR services; ensure the provision of high-quality care to a wide range of species; oversee support for research projects; and advise and consult with faculty on research programs.

Additionally, the Director will lead unit colleagues, and mentor and instruct veterinary students, externs, and residents as part of an emerging academic comparative medicine program based in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The incumbent must be committed to advancing the broader academic and research mission of the University. The research program at UGA is diverse, and includes the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Arts and Sciences, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy, Ecology, and more. A state-of-the- art high-containment facility for ABSL-3 and ABSL-3Ag research creates a unique opportunity. The Director will serve as a voting member on the IACUC and work closely with the Attending Veterinarian and Director of the Office of Animal Care and Use, and the IACUC Chair to advance the overall institutional animal care and use program.
Additional Requirements
Preferred candidate will be ACLAM certified and have 5 or more years of clearly demonstrated leadership experience. Applicants must possess a DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and a license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
  1. License to practice veterinary medicine in a state in the United States and the ability to gain licensure in the state of Georgia within 3 months of hire.
  2. A minimum of 5 years of successful service as an Associate Director or Director of an animal research program
  3. Successful record of working with a variety of animals such as rodents, rabbits, ferrets, cats, dogs, farm animals, nonhuman primates, reptiles, and fish.
  4. Enrollment and participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program and maintenance of all required vaccinations or other required prophylaxis based on research being conducted at all facilities.
  5. Must pass a background check and random drug and alcohol testing.
  6. Must qualify to work with Select Agents and work successfully in a biocontainment research environment.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
  1. Excellent understanding of the principles of virology, bacteriology, and parasitology and their application to colony health monitoring programs.
  2. Broad understanding of comparative organismal biology and pathophysiology of conventional and laboratory animal species, and the common diseases of laboratory animals and their diagnosis, management, and/or treatment.
  3. Extensive knowledge of the practice of clinical laboratory animal medicine, and the ability to apply that knowledge in training others in biomethodology in a variety of animal species.
  4. Knowledge of animal care and veterinary medicine.
  5. Ability to observe animal behavior, and assess and treat problems in a wide variety of species.
  6. Knowledge of zoonotic diseases.
  7. Knowledge of applicable policies, guidelines, and laws
  8. Proven reliability and ability to work independently to complete usual job responsibilities.
  9. Effective communication skills including the ability to facilitate problem resolution, receive constructive feedback and direction, and promote excellent customer service.
  10. Requires initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work in a team environment.
  11. Excellent organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize work flow while providing excellent work under tight deadlines.
  12. The ability to communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues, URAR professionals, and other stakeholders.
  13. Ability to use computer software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Ability to use computer software to record data.
  14. Ability to remember a large number of details, know and apply UGA and regulatory agencies policies, draw appropriate conclusions from information available
Physical Demands
  1. Ability to routinely lift and carry 50 pounds
  2. Ability to squat, kneel, reach overhead, walk stairs, and stand on ladders
  3. Must be able to work in an enclosed environment exposed to smells, dust, and dander of animals
  4. Ability to perform above while wearing Personal Protective Equipment, such as combination of Tyvek jumpsuits, face shield, exam gloves, and fitted respirator or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR).
Is this a Position of Trust? No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Instruction
  1. Mentors veterinary students, interns, residents, and graduate students
  2. Instructs in veterinary, graduate, or undergraduate curriculum
  3. Liaises with the ACLAM Training Program Directors Group, restarts, and supports laboratory animal residency and associated non-thesis master’s degree program
Percentage Of Time 5
Duties/Responsibilities
Research
  1. Performs collaborative research and other academic responsibilities
  2. Makes scholarly contributions as a co-author
  3. Holds animal use proposals (AUP) for research activities conducted by URAR on a fee for service basis
Percentage Of Time 15
Duties/Responsibilities
Public Service
  1. Provides clinical care of teaching/research animals as assigned, including treatment and medical management of laboratory animals, physical examinations, interpretation of diagnostic results, performs surgeries, postoperative management, and pain control strategies, and authorizes diagnostic and research necropsies.
  2. Participates in the after-hours veterinary call schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, rotating with clinical veterinarians. This includes the Animal Health Research Center (AHRC), with select agent program approval status.
  3. Reports concerns to the Attending Veterinarian.
  4. Serves on committees, such as voting member of the IACUC, and other committees as assigned at the department, college, and university level. These include, but are not limited to, the AHRC Oversight Committee, College of Veterinary Medicine Dean’s Administrative Advisory Council, Open House Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and various vivarium steering committees.
  5. Engages in student poster & presentation judging
Percentage Of Time 20
Duties/Responsibilities
Administration

  1. Sets the tone for the unit, working with URAR staff and faculty to facilitate a positive, collaborative work environment with focus on timely service delivery to PIs
  2. Determines unit priorities and programmatic direction
  3. Delegates unit responsibilities to empower faculty and staff while efficiently advancing operations
  4. Oversees and evaluates annual cost accounting for determining per diem rates, professional service fees, and administrative fees
  5. Facilitates collaborative work among IT and URAR personnel for continuous improvement of electronic ordering and billing system
  6. Develops budget and makes requests for resources for facility upgrades and specialized equipment
  7. Consults with research and teaching faculty about how URAR may meet their animal research/teaching needs, then collaborates with URAR Operations Manager and Facility Supervisors to develop options
  8. Serves as Unit Head of Laboratory Animal Medicine Program in the department of Population Health
  9. Assesses services that can be improved or streamlined and implements changes as budget allows
  10. Chairs mentoring committees for junior lab animal faculty
  11. Contributes expertise to campus animal teaching/research housing facilities’ renovations and new construction projects
  12. Promotes professional relationships among regional institutional animal care and use programs
  13. Represents UGA to the NPRC Emerging Infectious Diseases Group
  14. Leads animal importation/exportation program and approvals, reviews/approves PI and AUP transfers in AnOps
  15. Directly supervises URAR faculty and staff veterinarians, business manager, and operations manager
Percentage Of Time 60

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
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