Compliance Specialist, IACUC

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA) at Cornell University is seeking an experienced research professional to support its Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The Compliance Specialist provides expert guidance on research protocols to help ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and other regulatory requirements. The role independently assesses IACUC protocols and amendments and assists committee members with the review and approval process. The specialist also advises faculty and other researchers on IACUC requirements and preparation of animal use protocols. The position requires strict confidentiality, sound judgment, and consistent attention to deadlines. The specialist develops and presents IACUC training and resources; manages committee meetings and follow-up; coordinates with the Office for Sponsored Programs on externally funded protocols and compares grant applications with approved protocols; troubleshoots the protocol management system; and contributes to testing, training, and implementation of research administration software. The role also helps develop policies, procedures, and guidelines, benchmarks best practices, assists with reports and compliance gap analyses, and works with animal-care and safety colleagues on questions about animal care and use. This position is based on Cornell’s Ithaca, New York campus and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, with weekly on-campus work expected. Cornell describes its community expectations as fostering belonging and a healthy work environment through respectful, collaborative, inclusive communication and support for work/life integration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a life science, such as biology, biomedical engineering, animal science, or veterinary technology, and 3–5 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Knowledge of research involving live vertebrate animals.
Experience working directly with faculty or researchers conducting, managing, or reviewing research proposals.
Demonstrated customer service orientation.
Proficiency with computers and office applications, especially Microsoft Word and Excel.
Strong organizational skills and ability to consistently meet strict deadlines.
Ability to work independently and maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions on some projects without additional oversight.
Excellent attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Submit a cover letter and resume outlining interest in the position and explaining how experience and qualifications match the requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in life sciences or a related field.
Experience conducting research or working in a research-focused setting.
Experience performing quality assurance reviews, especially of research projects.
Experience developing or reviewing policies and procedures.
Previous experience working in an IACUC or quality assurance office, including using protocol management systems.

Responsibilities

Provide expert guidance on research protocols to support compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and other regulatory requirements.
Independently assess IACUC protocols and amendments and assist committee members with review and approval.
Advise faculty and researchers on IACUC requirements and preparation of animal use protocols.
Maintain strict confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and meet strict deadlines.
Develop and present IACUC training sessions, resources, and tools for faculty, students, committee members, and staff.
Manage IACUC meetings, including preparing agendas and materials, preparing minutes, and following up on action items.
Coordinate with the Office for Sponsored Programs on protocols associated with external funding and compare grant applications with approved protocols.
Troubleshoot issues in the protocol management system and contribute to testing, training, and implementation of research administration software.
Participate in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure continued compliance.
Benchmark best practices and recommend new policies or programs.
Assist with development and review of internal and external IACUC reports.
Engage with the Cornell Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE), Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), and animal facility staff to address animal care and use questions and policies.
Contribute to compliance gap analyses.
Help foster an inclusive, respectful, collaborative work environment and support work/life integration.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options.
Generous retirement contributions.
Access to wellness programs.
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
Health and personal leave.
Three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, including a year-end winter break from December 25 through January 1.
Two additional floating holidays.
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
Tuition aid for external education.
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.