Assistant Vice President for Research - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research/Director - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. Include the cover letter as the first page of your application. The letter should specifically address your interest in this position and outline relevant skills and experience.

Please note: This position may be filled at the title of Assistant Vice President for Research - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research or at the title of Director - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

The University of Michigan is seeking an experienced administrative professional to serve as the Assistant Vice President for Research - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research or the Director - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. This role is responsible for leadership and management of compliance oversight for the protection of animals in research as well as the biosafety and controlled substance research compliance programs, while fostering an environment of administrative support and service to the research community.

The Assistant Vice President/Director provides strategic leadership for the University's research compliance programs governing activities involving animals in research, teaching, and testing; the use of biohazardous materials; and the use of controlled substances in research. The position is responsible for ensuring that the University maintains robust, effective, and compliant programs that meet all applicable federal and state regulations, sponsor requirements, and nationally accepted standards while supporting the safe and responsible advancement of the institution's research mission.

Working closely with faculty leaders, institutional committees, and administrative partners, the AVP/Director leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of institutional policies, procedures, and operational frameworks that support regulatory compliance and responsible research practices. The role provides institutional oversight for the programs supporting the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and the University's controlled substances in research monitoring activities, ensuring that these oversight mechanisms function effectively and consistently with regulatory requirements and best professional practices.

The AVP/Director oversees, for example, institutional processes for the submission, review, approval, and ongoing oversight of research protocols involving regulated animals, biohazardous materials, and controlled substances. In collaboration with faculty committee leadership and subject-matter experts, the position ensures that review bodies operate effectively, that risk-based oversight is applied appropriately, and that researchers receive clear guidance to facilitate compliant and responsible research activities.

The position also serves as the University's lead administrator for regulatory inspections, accreditation reviews, and other external evaluations of these programs. This includes coordinating institutional preparations for site visits, overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports to governmental and accreditation agencies, and managing institutional responses to regulatory inquiries or concerns related to the conduct of regulated research.

The AVP/Director provides leadership for the professional and administrative staff supporting these programs and is responsible for fostering a collaborative, service-oriented environment that supports both regulatory oversight and the needs of the research community. The position oversees staffing, organizational planning, and staff development, while ensuring that the office maintains the expertise and operational capacity necessary to support a complex research enterprise.

In addition, the AVP/Director manages the operational and financial resources of the research compliance office, including budget planning, allocation of resources, and strategic planning for program growth and improvement. The role regularly engages with faculty, staff, students, institutional leadership, and external stakeholders to address inquiries and issues related to the oversight of research involving animals, biohazards, and controlled substances.

Through this leadership, the AVP/Director ensures that the University's research compliance programs operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability, while enabling investigators to conduct innovative research safely and in full compliance with applicable regulatory and ethical standards.

Required Qualifications (Director Level)

• Educational experience generally associated with a Master's degree or equivalent years of work experience.
• Certification for Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) desirable or attainment of certification within one year of eligibility.
• Certified Professional Biosafety Compliance Administrator (CPBCA) desirable or attainment of certification within one year of eligibility.
• Effective management and interpersonal skills, including budget preparation and management, personnel management, demonstrated ability to hire and train new staff and an ability to motivate and retain professional staff. Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience required, preferably within an academic environment.
• At least 10 years of experience related to research or research compliance administration in a university setting.
• An expert understanding of ethical principles, federal regulations, agency guidelines, and nationally accepted standards for animal research; as well as other agency-specific requirements and familiarity with typical University contracts and agreements relating to the IACUC. The position requires extensive knowledge of the regulatory frameworks governing research involving animals, biohazardous materials, and controlled substances, as well as demonstrated experience interpreting and applying these requirements within complex research environments.
• Strong commitment to the welfare of animals used in research.
• Experience in leading the AAALAC accreditation process.
• Strong knowledge of the NIH Guidelines for Research with Recombinant and Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, the CDC and USDA Federal Select Agents Regulations, and other regulations and guidance pertaining to biohazards under IBC purview and their implementation at the University of Michigan.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Database, web-based submission and/or training program development experience preferred.
• Ability to manage a sensitive and/or confidential data environment.
• Ability to use astute judgment, think strategically, analyze logically, and cogently and persuasively present summaries and recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.
• A passion for the highest animal welfare standards in scientific research and education.

Required Qualifications (Assistant Vice President Level)

• All required qualifications for the Director level.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior institutional leadership on regulatory compliance matters affecting research operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex administrative organizations, including supervision of multiple professional staff and program areas.
• Experience overseeing multiple regulatory compliance programs within a complex research environment.
• Experience representing an institution in regulatory inspections, accreditation reviews, or formal interactions with federal oversight agencies.
• Experience leading institutional policy development, program design, or governance frameworks related to research compliance.
• Experience managing significant operational budgets and planning staffing or resource allocation for research compliance programs.
• Engagement in national professional organizations or initiatives related to research compliance and regulatory oversight.

Please note: This position may be filled at the title of Assistant Vice President for Research - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research or at the title of Director - Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.