Director Animal Research
Arkansas Children's
**Work Shift:**
Please see job description for details.
**Time Type:**
Full time
**Department:**
CC033004 Animal Research Department
**Summary:**
The Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) invites applications for the role of Director of Animal Research. This pivotal leadership position is responsible for administering a high-quality animal research program housed within the institute’s 35,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art animal facility—a cornerstone of ACRI’s cutting-edge research initiatives. Accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and supported by a team of board-certified veterinarians, the facility is dedicated to advancing animal research and comparative medicine.
The Director will lead the development and management of animal research services, ensuring excellence in animal care and research within a laboratory animal facility, managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations like IACUC and AALAC, maintaining animal health, and coordinating research and safety protocols, all while prioritizing the welfare of the animals (rodents, rabbits and pigs). This role requires strategic vision and executive leadership to foster innovation, collaboration, and the highest standards of laboratory animal medicine and welfare.
Ideal candidates will possess a Master's degree, DVM, or PhD, along with relevant experience in laboratory animal medicine and federal regulations. Certification as a Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA) is preferred. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proven leadership in a research institution or academic setting, with a strong background in regulatory compliance and engagement with animal welfare stakeholders, such as AAALAC, OLAW, and USDA. While these qualifications are not mandatory, they are highly desirable.
**Additional Information:**
**Specialized Responsibilities for Veterinarian Applicants:**
+ Provide veterinary support and guidance to investigators, including protocol and animal model development.
+ Deliver lectures, hands-on training, and mentorship to residents in clinical care, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations.
+ Promote continuing education and professional development for veterinary and research staff.
+ Serve as the attending veterinarian on the UAMS and VA Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
+ Provide clinical veterinary expertise in emergency situations to ensure optimal animal health and welfare.
+ Act as a key faculty member in the ACLAM-recognized laboratory animal medicine residency program, mentoring residents and junior veterinarians.
Include the following **REQUIRED** documents:
· CV/Resume
· Personal Statement of Interest
· Letter of Recommendation
**Required Education:**
High school diploma or GED or equivalent
**Recommended Education:**
Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.
**Required Work Experience:**
Related Field - Eleven years of related experience with at least five years in a leadership role
**Recommended Work Experience:**
Formal education may substitute for work experience on a year-for-year basis (eg., one year of education = one year of experience)
**Required Certifications:**
**Recommended Certifications:**
**Description**
1. Develop and execute a forward-thinking strategic plan that enhances the institution’s animal care and use program while aligning with organizational goals.
2. Direct and evaluate the operations of the Animal Care Facility (ACF), ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
3. Ensure the facility maintains accreditation with AAALAC and compliance with USDA and Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) standards.
4. Partner with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure compliance with animal research regulations.
5. Mentor and support managers in personnel matters, training, performance evaluations, and professional development.
6. Ensure the safety and well-being of personnel and animals through robust training and adherence to safety protocols.
7. Administer the annual operating budget for the Animal Care Facility, ensuring appropriate use of funds and financial sustainability.
8. Work in partnership with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (SCRO), and the Laboratory Safety Office to ensure robust oversight of all research operations.
9. Other Duties as assigned.
Arkansas Children’s (https://www.archildrens.org/about-us) is the only hospital system in the state dedicated to caring for children, which enables us to uniquely shape the landscape of pediatric care in Arkansas.
Arkansas Children’s is driven by four core values—safety, teamwork, compassion and excellence—which inform every action.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital has received Magnet Status (https://www.archildrens.org/about-us/magnet-recognition) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), for nursing excellence and patient outcomes. And we are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report (https://www.archildrens.org/about-us/awards-and-recognition) for Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology.
For more than a century, Arkansas Children’s has met the unique needs of children. But we’re more than just a hospital treating sick kids—our services include two hospitals, a pediatric research institute, foundation, clinics, education and outreach, all with an unyielding commitment to making children better today and healthier tomorrow.
Arkansas Children’s Little Rock campus includes a 336-bed hospital with the state’s only pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center, burn center, Level 4 neonatal intensive care and pediatric intensive care, as well as a nationally-recognized transport service. And Arkansas Children’s Northwest (https://www.archildrens.org/locations/arkansas-childrens-nw) provides inpatient and emergency care, clinic rooms and diagnostic services to children in that corner of the state.
_“Arkansas Children’s is a place of hope and comfort for children and parents. When you are at children’s, you are part of an elite team united with a common goal of saving children and making their lives better.”_ Michael – Business Operations Manager
“Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a prestigious institution that cares for children.” Linda – Information Systems Analyst
“We are an organization of care, love, and hope while we champion children.” Angela – Parking and Fleet Coordinator
“Care, love, and hope for children!” Kathy – Administrative Assistant
“When I think of my time here at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, I can honestly say that it has given me a unique perspective on the human condition, and the various roles that we all have in patient care. As a supply assistant, I have a very important job ensuring that the doctors and nurses have what they need to provide the world class medical care to the Children of Arkansas and surrounding states. Being a Champion for Children is more than a catch phrase, it is a way of life!” Nick – Supply Assistant
Arkansas Children's provides equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or any other category protected by federal, state and local laws. Further, Arkansas Children's will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
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