Laboratory Animal Services Operations Manager

Jefferson Health Plans•Philadelphia, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Oversee the biomedical research facility operation of ~ 10,000 cages (40,000 sq. ft.) of laboratory animals on campus between two buildings and 5 facilities. Interfaces with Director of Laboratory Animal Services, campus facilities, construction project managers, third party vendors and federal regulatory bodies on a frequent basis to comply with federal regulations in a biomedical research setting. Directly and indirectly manages 29-30 facility staff to provide a high standard in training, husbandry and facility operations. Essential employee.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED
5 years progressively responsible experience in laboratory animal research facility operations, including regulatory compliance, accreditation and regulatory site visit preparation, and supervisory experience.
Proficient and professional etiquette with email and phone communication. Proficient with Word, Excel and cage card managing systems.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, and accreditation standards governing laboratory animal care and use, including animal welfare and biomedical research compliance requirements.
Knowledge of laboratory animal facility operations, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure, including cage processing systems, automated environmental controls, animal housing systems, and related support equipment.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels, including frontline staff, researchers, administrators, and executive leadership.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex operational challenges, assess risks, and develop effective solutions in dynamic and high-pressure environments.
Strategic planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, allocate resources, and support evolving research and institutional needs.
Knowledge of personnel management practices, including staff development, performance management, workforce planning, and labor relations.
Knowledge of PHS Policy and Animal Welfare Act

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree
LATG - Laboratory Animal Technologist - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
LAT - Laboratory Animal Technician - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
CMAR - Certified Manager of Animal Resources - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

Responsibilities

Interacts respectively with all investigators and lab members on a routine basis for the successful outcome of research animal studies.
Leads interactions with union husbandry staff and leadership
Manages animal supervisory staff and drives initiatives and improvements within husbandry operations.
Interacts closely with veterinary staff in support of health, maintenance and care of laboratory animals.
Writes, reviews and develops departmental policies, procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.
Develops and oversees departmental training and education program according to established Standard Operating Procedure.
Manages and assigns space for laboratory animals.
Works closely with the Business Manager assigned to support both the business office and Office of Research Administration.
Responsible for the procurement of all capital equipment and supplies for the laboratory animal facilities
Coordinates contractual maintenance programs on specialized industrial equipment (e.g., sterilizers, cage washers) with the TJU Maintenance Department
Attend facility construction project update meetings and represent the department’s best interest and the interest of the welfare of the animals
Liaison with Jefferson University Facilities on current, aging, and future infrastructure with frequent rounds, meetings and collaborations.
Understanding of federal regulations that comply with biomedical research such as The Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, PHS Policy and the Animal Welfare Act
Knowledge of different biomedical research facility specific equipment such as tunnel, rack washers, variety of rodent and USDA cage types and automated facility systems
Ability to communicate to all levels within the institution including animal care staff to department chairs on critical issues pertaining to research support
Critical thinking skills in the face of facility emergencies, customized goals from stakeholders and employee deployment

Benefits

medical (including prescription)
supplemental insurance
dental
vision
life and AD&D insurance
short- and long-term disability
flexible spending accounts
retirement plans
tuition assistance
voluntary benefits
tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full time service or two years of part time service