Associate Director, Research Animal Welfare

Job Description: The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M - Fort Worth and the Texas A&M - RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond. The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Job Description: SummaryThe Associate Director, Research Animal Welfare serves as the Attending Veterinarian for assigned Texas A&M University System members and provides operational leadership, veterinary consultation, compliance support, and programmatic oversight for institutional animal care and use programs. Working under the direction of the Director, Research Animal Welfare, this position assists member institutions in maintaining compliant, effective, and high-quality animal care and use programs, supports implementation of System animal welfare initiatives, and serves as a primary veterinary resource for assigned institutions.

Responsibilities: Animal Welfare & Veterinary CareServe as the Attending Veterinarian (AV), AV designee, and/or alternate or back-up AV for assigned System members. Provide veterinary oversight for animal care and use programs at assigned institutions. Deliver clinical veterinary consultation and services including diagnostics, treatments, preventive medicine, and emergency response as needed. Coordinate with clinical veterinarians and institutional personnel to ensure adequate veterinary care. Develop, review, and implement animal care and use programs consistent with USDA, NIH, AAALAC, DoD/ACURO, and other applicable requirements. Assist with the development and review of standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines, contingency plans, and institutional policies related to animal care and use. Evaluate veterinary care programs and animal care operations and provide veterinary recommendations. Communicate regularly with institutional leadership, IOs, and IACUC leadership regarding veterinary and animal welfare matters. IACUC MembershipServe as the veterinary member or alternate veterinary member of assigned System member IACUCs. Provide veterinary consultation during protocol development and protocol review. Participate in IACUC meetings, semiannual program reviews, facility inspections, and investigations as required. Provide education and training to IACUC members and institutional personnel. Assist institutions in evaluating and resolving animal welfare concerns and compliance issues. Compliance and Accreditation SupportSupport institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements governing animal care and use. Assist institutions in preparation for USDA inspections, OLAW oversight activities, sponsor reviews, and AAALAC accreditation activities. Support development, implementation, and follow-up of corrective action plans. Monitor progress on corrective actions and institutional commitments resulting from inspections, accreditation reviews, and compliance assessments. Assist with post-approval monitoring activities and institutional program assessments. Support oversight of animal activities involving hazardous agents through participation on IBCs or through veterinary consultation as applicable. Researcher Support and EducationProvide veterinary consultation to investigators during project planning and implementation. Assist researchers in developing animal use procedures and veterinary care plans. Participate in the development and delivery of educational programs related to animal welfare, veterinary care, and regulatory requirements. Provide guidance regarding best practices for animal care and use. Program Implementation and Institutional SupportCollaborate with the Director, Research Animal Welfare to implement veterinary oversight activities for assigned System members. Assist member institutions in implementing System standards while recognizing i