Animal Program Compliance Specialist

Scripps Research • San Diego, CA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Program Compliance Specialist is a key member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program, responsible for designing and overseeing a comprehensive post-approval monitoring (PAM) program that ensures ongoing compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing animal research. This position serves as a subject matter expert on animal research compliance, providing consultation and guidance to investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on regulatory requirements and best practices. Reporting to the Director of the IACUC Office, this role works collaboratively with the IACUC, the Department of Animal Resources, and the research community to promote a culture of compliance, animal welfare, and scientific integrity. The position plays an active role in shaping programmatic policy, delivering compliance education, and serving as a trusted compliance partner to faculty and principal investigators. The ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset, deep regulatory fluency, and the ability to build credible relationships across a research-intensive environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology or another science field required.
• 5–7 years of regulatory compliance administration and/or laboratory animal experience, with demonstrated expertise in post-approval monitoring or IACUC program management.
• Well-versed in federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC International standards; able to provide authoritative guidance on regulatory interpretation and application.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to build credible working relationships with faculty, administration, and research staff.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; able to manage multiple priorities, design program systems, and present data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Proficiency with electronic protocol management systems; familiarity with process improvement methodologies and emerging compliance technologies preferred.
• CPIA, LATG, LAT, or ALAT certification preferred.
• Familiarity with IACUC semiannual inspections, USDA inspections, and AAALAC accreditation processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve the post-approval monitoring program, including systems for tracking monitoring activities, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up.
• Conduct onsite laboratory compliance assessments and lead semiannual facility inspections; investigate non-compliance, adverse events, and animal welfare concerns and prepare findings and corrective action plans for IACUC review.
• Advise investigators, research staff, and the IACUC on federal regulations, PHS Policy, USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, and AAALAC standards; represent the institution during regulatory inspections and accreditation visits.
• Perform administrative and regulatory review of IACUC protocols and amendments across the lifecycle, including grant congruence, and maintain documentation supporting audits and institutional reporting.
• Serve as a trusted compliance partner to faculty and PIs; collaborate with the Department of Animal Resources to deliver training and outreach, and mentor IACUC staff and committee members.
• Contribute to program strategy, develop institutional policies and SOPs, and identify process improvements and new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, that strengthen compliance.

Benefits

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan
• 403(b) option
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior