Vivarium Research Director

Appalachian State University•Boone, NC

27d

About The Position

The College of Arts and Sciences seeks a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as Director of the Vivarium Research Lab, a multidisciplinary facility supporting research and teaching across the University. This role provides essential leadership in managing the daily operations of the Vivarium, which houses a diverse array of aquatic and terrestrial species and serves faculty and students from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Biology, and the Beaver College of Health Sciences. The Director oversees all aspects of facility management, including animal care and husbandry, protocol development, regulatory compliance, budget administration, and personnel supervision. The Vivarium includes 14 holding and observation rooms, a surgery suite, and associated cage washing and support spaces. The Director supervises two full-time staff members, coordinates 6–12 student assistants, and supports graduate student research activities. This position reports to the Dean’s Office in the College of Arts and Sciences and works closely with faculty across multiple colleges to support the University’s research and instructional mission.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Animal Science or Life Sciences, or related field
Three years of experience in an animal facility
Knowledgeable in the operations of animal resource facilities, equipment functions, specialized husbandry procedures and staffing needs
Extensive knowledge of regulatory and compliance issues concerning the proper care and use of animals in teaching and research
Ability to work effectively with individuals at various levels of the University
Ability to serve as point of contact for DEA and DHHS Registration of controlled substances
AALAS accreditation at or above LAT level, or the ability to obtain such accreditation within the first year of employment

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with zebrafish, rodent, amphibian, and reptile husbandry
Ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments
Analytical skills related to site budget preparation and generation of monthly expenditure reports
Technical skills in common biomethodology of research animals

Responsibilities

Provide oversight of daily operations of vivarium and manage the on-call responsibilities that are necessarily involved with facilities that house live animals year-round.
Perform routine zebrafish husbandry and maintain rodent colonies.
Interface with Facilities Operations to troubleshoot maintenance problems.
Control animal facility access to those individuals who are determined to be properly trained in animal care and use.
Consult with investigators when writing experimental proposals on issues relating to animal husbandry and care.
Provide recommendations and implements procedures to ensure compliance with federal laws and guidelines.
Monitor animal research to ensure investigators are following IACUC approved animal procedures
Maintain records in accordance with relevant agency guidelines.
Participate in animal facility inspections with USDA , IACUC and safety personnel.
Coordinate and oversee ordering of all supplies and equipment and serves as primary contact for vendors.
Effectively operate and maintain facility equipment.
Hire and train vivarium staff.