Director of IACUC

Title: Director, IACUC

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: General Research Compliance

Work Days: Monday through Friday

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $191,800.00 - $228,600.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

****Must be able to relocate to the NYC or Tri-State Area*** Position is hybrid but requires on-site days and must be able to be within a reasonable commutable distance.***

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Research Compliance Officer, the Director of the IACUC Office provides administrative oversight of all activities within the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), ensuring that animal research is conducted in full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. This role oversees IACUC protocol review and compliance processes, supervising all aspects of protocol submissions, and supporting the research community, including principal investigators (PIs) at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM), Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), WCM-Qatar, Hunter College, Burke Rehabilitation Center, Westchester, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), and Rockefeller University.

The Director partners with Information & Technology Services teams at both WCM and MSK to enhance support for PIs and research personnel, ensuring efficient protocol submissions and maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance. This position plays a pivotal role in fostering effective relationships across the research community to uphold ethical standards in animal research.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all resources of the IACUC Office, identifying and addressing any resource needs to optimize operations.
• Ensure the EnCCOMPass system's functionality and drive system enhancements to support the IACUC process effectively.
• Stay current with federal, state, and local regulations related to animal research and update institutional compliance practices accordingly.
• Develop and revise institutional policies for animal care and use, ensuring compliance with the latest standards.
• Oversee office staff performance, providing mentorship, support, and conducting regular evaluations.
• Coordinate and oversee routine inspections of animal facilities, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Lead efforts to maintain AAALAC accreditation, including preparation for site visits and addressing findings.
• Serve as an active member of the IACUC, handling expedited review requests and collaborating on protocol assessments.
• Develop and implement efficient office procedures and processes to streamline pre-reviews of protocol submissions.
• Collaborate closely with the IACUC Chair and Committee members to enhance the review process, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the research community, actively considering feedback to improve office operations.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in IACUC administration and/or animal research.
• Experience working within a higher education or research institution setting is highly preferred.
• Professional certification in research administration (e.g., CRA) is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge: Regulatory standards (USDA, OLAW, AAALAC), IACUC functions and compliance processes, Animal welfare and ethical research principles (3Rs), EnCCOMPass system and related management tools.
• Skills: Leadership and office management, Effective communication with stakeholders, Collaboration with committee members and researchers, Problem-solving and policy development, Training program creation.
• Abilities: Ensure regulatory compliance, Streamline and improve office processes, Build strong relationships with the research community, Advocate for humane animal treatment, Lead accreditation and manage multiple responsibilities.