standards. The position plays a crucial role in maintaining the welfare of animals used in research, as well as supporting researchers with their facility needs.
Note: This position may require occasional work on weekends/after hours and some holidays.
Duties and Responsibilities
Animal Care Facility Operations Management
Directs all operations associated with the housing, handling, health, and care procedures involving live vertebrate animals in Villanova University animal facilities. Develops and implements schedules for equipment maintenance, cage changing, and sanitizing of equipment, rooms, and corridors, without undue disruption to experimental schedules. Maintains the facility's infrastructure and equipment by initiating requests to University Facilities Management Office or to outside vendors, as appropriate. Orders feed, bedding, and supplies and maintains sufficient inventories to meet the needs of the animal care area.
Supervision of Animal Care Staff
Hires and supervises part-time/student animal care workers. Manages personnel schedules ensuring coverage for daily animal observations, including scheduling for coverage during holidays and planned closures and for emergency support after-hours and during unexpected closures.
Animal Care, Health Monitoring, and Regulatory Recordkeeping
Ensures that daily care procedures and routine health checks are provided for all animals, and alerts Attending or Secondary Veterinarian and principal investigator of any animal illness or injury. Maintains records of animal care in compliance with IACUC and external regulatory requirements. Assists with training in animal care, handling, and housing, as needed.
Researcher Engagement and Regulatory Compliance Coordination
Actively engages and consults with faculty researchers, including the Psychological & Brain Sciences Vivarium committee, to maintain open communication on evolving animal care needs. Works directly with the IACUC and the Office of Research Protections to ensure facility infrastructure and procedures are in compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
Development and Enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures
Develops standard operating procedures for use of the facilities. Enforces policies, regulations, and guidelines.
Emergency Planning and Response Preparedness
Develops emergency plans and strategies for their implementation, in consultation with Environmental Health and Safety, Public Safety, Facilities Management, researchers, and the IACUC.
Other duties as assigned
