What are the responsibilities and job description for the IACUC Non-Affiliate Member (Volunteer Position) position at NAMSA?
A nonaffiliated member of an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a person who is not affiliated with the institution or its immediate family. The IACUC is centrally important in applying laws about animal research by providing oversight of the animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals ( Policy ) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals ( Guide ) . Its oversight functions include an ongoing assessment of animal care and use at the research facility.
Each IACUC must have a nonaffiliated member who’s role is important because they provide an independent perspective on animal welfare and science. The core responsibilities for IACUC include :
- Provide an independent perspective : Nonaffiliated members help the IACUC understand how the public views their work. They can ask questions that the public might ask, which can help stimulate discussion and wider thinking.
- Promote transparency : Nonaffiliated members help promote transparency in the review process.
- Represent the community : Nonaffiliated members represent the community's interests in the proper care of animals.
Qualifications
Examples of nonaffiliated members
Activities the nonaffiliated IACUC member may perform :
Participates in regular inspection of facilities and animal use areas and review of program (minimally twice / year)
Participates regular meetings (minimally monthly)
Reviews animal welfare concerns involving the care and use of animals at NAMSA
Reviews and ensures compliance to program any use of animal in research
General time commitment : approximately 6 hours / month
