Director OF University Research Animal Resources

Athens, Georgia

The University of Georgia
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Posting Number: F2320P

Working Title: DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ANIMAL RESOURCES

Department: VPR-Animal Resources

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education . The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The Office of Research encourages and supports innovative interdisciplinary research, scholarship and creative activities that contribute to the physical, emotional and economic well-being of the people of Georgia, the nation and the world. Through partnerships and collaborations, we seek to share knowledge, increase innovation, and deliver the products of our research to the marketplace.

College/Unit/Department website:

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Underutilization: Minorities & Females

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date: 06/01/2025

Job Posting Date: 03/06/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please upload a CV, letter of interest, and the contact information for 3 references.

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( ).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at .

Classification Title: Assoc/Asst Dept Chair/Director/Head AC

Faculty Rank: Open Rank

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine.

Position Summary: The University of Georgia animal care and use program is on the move. We are looking for a great veterinarian to lead our growing AAALAC-accredited program. We are seeking applications and nominations to engage a Director for University Research Animal Resources (URAR). UGA URAR supports a broad variety of research activities using diverse species and promotes continuous development of a high quality, service-oriented research resource that provides optimal animal care. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Research, the Director will provide management, leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for URAR. The Director will manage and oversee a team of high performing individuals and will be responsible for directing and supervising all aspects of URAR services; ensure the provision of high-quality care to a wide range of species; oversee support for research projects; and advise and consult with faculty on research programs.

Additionally, the Director will lead unit colleagues, and mentor and instruct veterinary students, externs, and residents as part of an emerging academic comparative medicine program based in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The incumbent must be committed to advancing the broader academic and research mission of the University. The research program at UGA is diverse, and includes the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Arts and Sciences, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy, Ecology, and more. A state-of-the- art high-containment facility for ABSL-3 and ABSL-3Ag research creates a unique opportunity. The Director will serve as a voting member on the IACUC and work closely with the Attending Veterinarian and Director of the Office of Animal Care and Use, and the IACUC Chair to advance the overall institutional animal care and use program.

Additional Requirements: Preferred candidate will be ACLAM certified and have 5 or more years of clearly demonstrated leadership experience. Applicants must possess a DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine and a license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:
•  License to practice veterinary medicine in a state in the United States and the ability to gain licensure in the state of Georgia within 3 months of hire.
•  A minimum of 5 years of successful service as an Associate Director or Director of an animal research program
•  Successful record of working with a variety of animals such as rodents, rabbits, ferrets, cats, dogs, farm animals, nonhuman primates, reptiles, and fish.
•  Enrollment and participation in the Occupational Health and Safety Program and maintenance of all required vaccinations or other required prophylaxis based on research being conducted at all facilities.
•  Must pass a background check and random drug and alcohol testing.
•  Must qualify to work with Select Agents and work successfully in a biocontainment research environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:
•  Excellent understanding of the principles of virology, bacteriology, and parasitology and their application to colony health monitoring programs.
•  Broad understanding of comparative organismal biology and pathophysiology of conventional and laboratory animal species, and the common diseases of laboratory animals and their diagnosis, management, and/or treatment.
•  Extensive knowledge of the practice of clinical laboratory animal medicine, and the ability to apply that knowledge in training others in biomethodology in a variety of animal species.
•  Knowledge of animal care and veterinary medicine.
•  Ability to observe animal behavior, and assess and treat problems in a wide variety of species.
•  Knowledge of zoonotic diseases.
•  Knowledge of applicable policies, guidelines, and laws
•  Proven reliability and ability to work independently to complete usual job responsibilities.
•  Effective communication skills including the ability to facilitate problem resolution, receive constructive feedback and direction, and promote excellent customer service.
•  Requires initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work in a team environment.
•  Excellent organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize work flow while providing excellent work under tight deadlines.
•  The ability to communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues, URAR professionals, and other stakeholders.
•  Ability to use computer software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Ability to use computer software to record data.
•  Ability to remember a large number of details, know and apply UGA and regulatory agencies policies, draw appropriate conclusions from information available

Physical Demands:
•  Ability to routinely lift and carry 50 pounds
•  Ability to squat, kneel, reach overhead, walk stairs, and stand on ladders
•  Must be able to work in an enclosed environment exposed to smells, dust, and dander of animals
•  Ability to perform above while wearing Personal Protective Equipment, such as combination of Tyvek jumpsuits, face shield, exam gloves, and fitted respirator or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR).

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety . click apply for full job details
Date Posted: 13 May 2025
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