Research Program Manager

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The successful applicant for this position will assist in the management of the various components of a nonhuman primate colony that consists of approximately 1600 individual animals of three species (Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Callithrix jacchus) that are housed in four separate buildings at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC). These components include the animal husbandry program, the colony management program, the research support program, environmental enhancement program, the facilities maintenance program, and the animal care personnel management program. Under the direction of the WNPRC Attending Veterinarian and Associate Director of the Animal Services Division (ASD), the successful applicant will be responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the entire nonhuman primate husbandry program of the WNPRC. Working closely with their supervisor, the Colony Services Unit Head (CSUH) will administer a program of colony management that maintains the breeding colonies of the WNPRC and provides quality animals for the scientific projects of the Center's investigators. In collaboration with veterinary and research support staff, the CSUH will provide support for the major research programs housed at the Center. Additionally, the CSUH will collaborate with the Behavioral Services Unit to ensure execution of the Center's environmental enrichment plan. The CSUH will work closely with the WNPRC Facilities Manager and the Compliance Manager to ensure that the holding and support facilities are maintained within regulatory guidelines and to provide a safe environment for the animals and all personnel working directly with Center animals. Finally, the CSUH, in coordination with the five CSU Animal Care Managers, will assist in the performance evaluation process of all animal care personnel.

Requirements

For candidates with a relevant BA/BS degree, a minimum of four years' demonstrated experience managing or assisting in the management of a large nonhuman primate (NHP) colony is required.
For candidates without a BA/BS degree, a minimum of eight years' demonstrated experience managing a large NHP colony is required, as well as certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level.
Extensive experience performing animal husbandry and biomedical research support for a captive colony of nonhuman primates.
Experience supervising, communicating with and motivating a large staff of animal care technicians is a necessity.
An ability to lead, make difficult decisions and implement them while developing a strong sense of teamwork is essential.
Knowledge of biomedical and behavioral research, excellent computing skills, and strong commitment to animals and their well-being are also required for this position.
Detailed knowledge of research procedures and animal welfare regulations and solid administrative abilities are also expected.
Applicant must be comfortable working with nonhuman primates, infectious pathogens and other biohazards, and chemicals/medications in a medical research setting, and wearing various required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Must be TB negative
Applicant will be required to have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.
Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication
This is considered an essential position and, as such, applicant must be willing to fulfill the duties of the position.
Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the University and to protect the University from both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest.
Must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate WNPRC vehicles
A one-year period of evaluation will be required.
Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (I.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience overseeing colony management programs, including breeding strategies, population planning, pedigree management, and census reporting.
Experience developing and monitoring departmental budgets, forecasting resource needs, and managing contracts or vendor relationships.
Experience developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and quality assurance programs for animal care and research support operations.
Experience with AAALAC accreditation visits and regulatory inspections (e.g., USDA, IACUC, etc.)
Previous employment at a National Primate Research Center or major academic biomedical research institution
BA/BS in biological sciences or related field strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans, develops, and implements processes and protocols to support research aims
Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
Serves as a unit liaison and subject matter expert among internal and external stakeholder groups, collaborates across disciplines and functional areas, provides program information, and promotes the accomplishments and developments of scholars and research initiatives
Monitors program budget(s) and approves unit expenditures
Develops policies, procedures, and institutional agreements on behalf of the program
Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of one or multiple research programs or units according to established research objectives in alignment with strategic plans and initiatives
Assists in the development, coordination, and facilitation of trainings and workshops for internal and external audiences to disseminate research program developments and information