About the role:

The Compliance Committee Chair is a part-time (20 hours/week) leadership role responsible for overseeing the ethical and regulatory review of research involving animals. Serving as Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), this individual ensures compliance with federal guidelines, institutional policies, and best practices. The Chair plays a critical role in safeguarding research integrity, guiding protocol reviews, facilitating committee operations, and promoting a culture of ethical and responsible science within the organization. 

Please include a cover letter with your application detailing your qualifications and experience. 

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits. 

• Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops. 

• An intellectually compelling environment that encourages broad thinking and problem-solving. 

• Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, a free gym, on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and a convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area. 

• Flexible working days and hours, with the majority of the 20 weekly hours worked on campus with consistent on-campus presence each week. 

What you’ll do:

• Reporting to the responsible Institutional Official, advise and execute actions necessary to maintain appropriate representation of the various required roles in IACUC membership. 

• Chair and facilitate regular IACUC meetings and guide the committee in the review, discussions, and decisions of protocols, amendments, policies, and procedures. 

• Work collaboratively with lab heads, project teams, and other researchers to help facilitate the submission of research proposals and amendments. Ensure a timely and thorough evaluation of research proposals for regulatory compliance and ethical considerations. 

• Ensure policies and procedures that guide the review of proposals are in line with the appropriate regulatory documents. These include, but are not limited to, the following: The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

• Oversee preparation, submission, and documentation of required reports to regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies. 

• Provide guidance and training to committee members and researchers on compliance requirements. 

• Promote a culture of collaboration, ethical research, and regulatory awareness. 

What you bring:

• Advanced degree (PhD, DVM, MD) in a relevant scientific or biomedical research field. While an advanced degree is preferred, individuals with substantial professional experience, a strong track record in regulatory compliance and research oversight and demonstrated expertise will also be considered. 

• Certification such as CPIA (Certified Professional in IACUC Administration) is preferred. 

• Minimum of five years of responsibility in animal, biological, and/or stem cell research involving close interaction with regulatory committees or focused on research compliance or regulatory affairs.   

• Prior experience serving on IACUC is required. Prior experience serving as the Chair is preferred. 

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations and procedures related to the use of animals in biomedical research. 

• Ability to interpret complex regulatory documents and provide clear guidance. 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service-oriented, rapidly changing environment to accomplish mutual goals. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to convey complex scientific concepts and deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, and management. Ability to clearly communicate in English, in writing and speech.