Special Instructions to Applicants: 

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues

Position Summary:

The Executive Director of the Animal Resources Facility (ARF) manages, administers and coordinates the health care and maintenance of research animals, and provides leadership and technical expertise to staff for policy and decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have completed an accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and work/type at a computer or typewriter. The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the hiring salary starts at $175,700, with the potential for a higher rate based on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements: 

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from a U.S. accredited program 6 years of experience in laboratory animal medicine In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted Must become licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Texas within 2 months from the start date

Skills: 

Entrepreneurial with a track record of innovative thinking, analysis and practical activities Capacity to think analytically and creatively, and to develop new and innovative approaches to external affairs Ability to be an effective and coherent leader and the capacity to lead highly motivated and autonomous staff in an effective and flexible way Exemplary verbal, visual and written communication skills Ability to build sustainable relationships Excellent organizational, time management, and verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to communicate with a wide range of researchers, faculty, staff and students including both non-technical and technical individuals Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Ability to work in a collaborative environment Knowledge of analytical laboratory equipment

Preferences:

American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) Certification

Essential Functions:

Diagnose, treat and control diseases and injuries among research animals maintained in facilities; perform surgery on sick and injured animals and prescribe and administer drugs, medicines and vaccines as appropriate. Confer with principal investigators and their staff regarding the type and number of research animals needed and provide instruction and assistance in the special care and treatment of animals. Collaborate with scientists and researchers in the design and implementation of in-vivo experiments. Conduct post-mortem examination of animals including the performance of hematology, parasitology, microbiology and clinical pathology laboratory tests and procedures. Demonstrate leadership in all Animal Resources Facility functions, initiatives, and operations. Prepare or assist in the preparation of grant applications relating to laboratory animal care; advise faculty and research staff regarding U.S.D.A. and N.I.H. guidelines on the care and use of research animals and facilities. Provide oversight to researchers on the development and successful implementation of approved protocols Prepare and maintain a variety of records and operational reports concerning consultations and diagnostic decisions ensuring compliance with applicable Federal, State and local regulations. Keep abreast of new technological advances in the care and treatment of laboratory animals and provide in-service hands-on laboratory animal handling, surgical and technical instruction, animal welfare training, facility, equipment orientation programs to staff, and other research personnel. Assist in the establishment and implementation of an effective quality control system for laboratory work; revise techniques and procedures as required to obtain desired standards. Responsible for proficiency in all appropriate designated departmental SOPs with general knowledge of the lab processes; assist in writing, evaluating and revising SOPs as necessary.  Work closely with the Institutional Official, Office of Research Integrity, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee to oversee the animal program, maintain appropriate accreditations, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Serve as a voting member of the IACUC. Work with the Safety Officer to maintain the Occupational Health and Safety Program, particularly as it relates to the Animal Care and Use program and the Animal Facility.

Additional Functions:

Uphold a commitment to animal welfare and high ethical standards. Ensure ongoing facility needs, including maintenance, construction, and expansion, to maintain a high-quality animal facility that supports Rice’s research goals. Support the job performance of staff to ensure performance excellence aligned with division and program goals. Directly and indirectly supervise clinical and technical staff. Perform personnel actions, i.e., promotions, transfers, hiring and termination procedures, according to established Rice policies. Monitor budget expenditures and forecast future facility needs. Develop and revise operating procedures within a collaborative environment. Review work for accuracy and completeness. Prioritize projects and work activities for the Animal Resource Facility team. Establish and update plans for both operations and veterinary care in the advent of emergencies. Maintain AAALAC accreditation.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels.  It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.