"Animal Care and Use Program Protocol Coordinator"

Job Details

Job Description

The Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance (SIRC) at Virginia Tech is seeking an Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) Protocol Coordinator to support ACUP, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and university stakeholders. The Division of Scholarly Integrity & Research Compliance (SIRC) facilitates scholarly excellence by fostering ethical decision-making and ensuring research regulatory compliance.

SIRC is a critical unit within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation (ORI). ORI supports university-wide strategic initiatives and operational functions of Virginia Tech's $530+ million research enterprise and associated technology commercialization activities, which span nine academic colleges, eight university research institutes, and three affiliated corporations. With more than 600 new IACUC protocols each year, the ACUP Protocol Coordinator holds a key position in support of current research excellence and future growth.

The ACUP Protocol Coordinator will join a dedicated team of ACUP professionals working to ensure the humane treatment, welfare, and compliant use of animal subjects involved in research and teaching activities. The Coordinator will provide support to the University's stakeholders and members of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (the IACUC is comprised of peers, veterinarians, non-scientists, and a community member who make final determinations concerning regulatory and ethical compliance of protocols submitted for review). The position requires interpersonal and teamwork skills; the ability to take direction and work independently; the ability to prioritize, problem solve, and work in an organized manner under tight deadlines; and effective communication skills. The Coordinator will report to the ACUP Director who in turn reports to the Associate Vice President for Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide an administrative review of incoming protocols/amendments.
• Work with researchers to develop complete, accurate protocols/amendments for IACUC review.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state and federal regulations as well as policies, guidelines, and ethical codes related to animals in research and biosafety-related regulations.
• Conduct random and for-cause reviews of researchers’ documentation and procedures, which includes interviewing researchers, staff, and others to ensure the laboratory animal experiments are performed in accordance with approved IACUC protocols and federal regulations.
• Investigate reported issues on behalf of the IACUC.
• Inform the IACUC of any protocol/investigator non-compliance activities.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices designed to promote compliant practices and mitigate risk.
• Apply knowledge of IACUC-related regulations and guidelines to day-to-day operations.
• Serve as backup to the ACUP Sr. Administrative Assistant and other team members in the event of high volume and absences.
• This position will require site visits to different university-support facilities and observation of a variety of animal species in confined areas, which requires the incumbent to traverse a variety of terrains, walk distances, and stand for long periods.

Required Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent level of training/experience in a related discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge of animal care techniques, including blood collection, drug administration, aseptic technique as well as recognition of normal animal behavior and appropriate handling of research or teaching animals.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret complex documents such as IACUC protocols, federal and state regulations, and policies.
• Ability to write and communicate technical information concisely and effectively.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills, along with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituent population.
• Demonstrated ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Demonstrated experience in effective planning and using organizational skills to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects.
• Experience with standard office software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in biological sciences field
• Working experience with or training in problem-solving and negotiation.
• Working knowledge of the following guides and regulations: 1) Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 2) Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 3) USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, or 4) AAALAC International
• Experience in handling complex and confidential material.
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) or higher level.
• Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA) credentials.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $62,000, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

February 23, 2026

Additional Information

We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

The position is based in Blacksburg, Virginia.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.