Animal Ethics Coordinator

Department: Animal Care Services
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

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General Purpose

Animal Care Services (ACS) is the administrative unit responsible for ensuring that the University complies with or exceeds all federal and provincial regulatory requirements pertaining to the care and use of laboratory/ agricultural/aquatic/wildlife animals. The unit oversees annually approximately 500 Animal Utilization Protocols (AUPs), coordinates inspections and site visits to 30+ university animal sites on and off campus, acts on federal and provincial inspectorates’ recommendations; and develops, monitors, and delivers training and education programs for all users who interact with animals used in science. ACS supports the institutional Animal Care Committee (ACC), the compliance and regulatory body that scrutinizes and provides approval to all AUPs.

The Animal Ethics Coordinator supports Animal Care Services in the oversight of animal use in science at the University of Guelph.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Animal Ethics Coordinator independently administers the process of the ethical review of research applications going to the ACC. The incumbent has the primary responsibility for the day-to-day communications between the ACS office and ACC members and other stakeholders for review and approval of AUPs. On behalf of the ACC, the Animal Ethics Coordinator assesses new submissions, amendments and annual renewals for content and quality and ensures regulatory compliance. The incumbent moves the approval process forward with investigators, instructors, facility managers, and other key stakeholders to release, follow-up and conclude applications for researchers and instructors to acquire and access and use animals in science once approval is granted. The incumbent administers the animal number tracking of such use for data collection and reporting.

The Animal Ethics Coordinator conducts training and outreach activities for internal and external audiences in the ACC work of AUP applications and approvals, partakes in collaborative efforts by the Office of Research in research management, and liaises with researchers, students in research, and other stakeholders to assist them and ensure they have appropriate resources available.

The incumbent is responsible for producing reports from the AUP database to meet internal requirements as well as the regulatory requirements of the external inspectorates: provincial Animal for Research Act (OMAFA), national Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and granting agencies.

Requirements

• University Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences program;
• Three (3) years in research administration, with preferred experience in academics, research, or industry;
• Professional designation related to ethics review or administration is considered an asset as is post-graduate specialization/professional designation/ certification in the lab animal field
• Critical thinking, good judgement and analytical skills are required;
• Strong time management and organizational skills;
• Excellent written and communication skills with a specific focus to an academic audience;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Working on-site regularly.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10566014
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 6
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 04/30/2025