Director of Vivarium Operations

Arizona State University · Campus: Tempe

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Job Profile:

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Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Job Description:

Position Salary Range: Depends on Experience

Job Description:

The Director of Vivarium Operations oversees and manages the operational activities of the Department of Animal Care and Technologies (DACT) in service to the users of research and teaching animals at Arizona State University. Oversight includes, but is not limited to, personnel management, budget management, and the development and maintenance of vivarium infrastructure and equipment.

Under administrative supervision, the DACT Director of Vivarium Operations plans, organizes, and supervises vivarium operational activities and staff; assists with budget administration, business planning, performance management, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and standards.

Essential Duties:

• Plans, directs, and reviews the operations of the Department of Animal Care and Technologies (DACT), one of ASU’s Core Research Facilities and Recharge Centers, on behalf of Knowledge Enterprise (KE) to ensure consistency in practices and adherence with all applicable policies, regulations, and standards.

• Works closely with the Attending Veterinarian in creating and updating policies and procedures related to animal husbandry practices and support of animal research labs.

• Supervises activities of subordinates, including managers and team leads.

• Conducts and assists with the development of long- and short-range goals and objectives in consultation with the governance board and KE Core Research Facilities leadership.

• Coordinates with the governance board to assess core user needs and emerging research interests, and to execute strategies to optimize service delivery and develop new capabilities. This includes review and implementations of per diem rates, the strategic use of current vivaria, the development of new vivarium facilities, and renovation/ improvements of existing facilities and equipment.

• Provides reports to supervisor and governance board on fiscal and operational performance relative to established metrics.

• Plans and manages cores operating budgets in consultation with central core administration and recommends staffing and capital equipment investments.

• Develops long-term plans and expenditure priorities pertaining to capital equipment and systems maintenance and/or projected replacement needs.

• Communicates University and department policies to assigned personnel, enforces safety regulations, and adherence to proper codes and standards.

• Resolves problems and issues affecting the core and directs measures to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

• Supervises technical services staff; establishes priorities and objectives; reviews work in process and provides directions as appropriate to ensure achievement of established goals.

• Develops performance metrics and participates in evaluation of services, identifies areas for improvement, and initiates corrective measures as appropriate.

• Responds to internal and external audits of recharge centers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Graduate degree (Ph.D. or Masters Degree)

• Demonstrated experience managing large groups from diverse backgrounds.

• Demonstrated experience with budgetary principles and procedures.

• Knowledge of regulations related to lab animal science.

• Knowledge of contemporary practices in vivarium management and animal care.

• Prior experience working with an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee or managing an academic or industrial research lab.

• Knowledge of technical and/or scientific principles pertinent to animal research operations. Knowledge of federal and state laws, Arizona Board of Regents, and university rules, regulations, policies, and practices related to service center operations.

• Skill in developing and executing strategy in consultation with a governance board and senior leadership.

• Knowledge managing/directing a unit comprised of multiple university service facilities. Ability to develop a comprehensive university business plan.

• Ability to evaluate, plan, and estimate complex projects in coordination with subordinates. Skill in developing and executing strategies for staff development, succession, and operational continuity. Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of cost accounting.

• Knowledge of budget management methods and techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of personnel management and supervision. Knowledge of university financial, sponsored, human resource, and property control data systems. Knowledge of research facility operations and requirements.

• Skill in analyzing issues and developing alternative solutions. Skill in assessing and managing laboratory technical operations.

• Ability to work collaboratively across administrative units to develop enterprise solutions. Ability to work effectively in an environment subject to potentially conflicting priorities with tight deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written forms.

• Ability to effectively apply knowledge of human resource practices for management, supervision, and evaluation of staff.

Working Environment:

ASU is an inclusive enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market, as such the following options may be offered dependent on department needs:

Flexible work options:

• Alternative work schedules can include four, 10-hour workdays in a workweek; a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only; and staggered start and stop times.

• Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required.

• Remote work is an arrangement where the employee spends less than 60% of their regular workweek at a regularly assigned ASU work location. Executive vice president-level approval is required.

Standard Working Environment:

• Climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position.
• Regular use of a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Ability to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information to perform essential duties.
• Expected to be responsive to customers; engaged in work production; and resourceful, flexible, and respectful of others.

Department Statement:

ASU is committed to the ethical and humane treatment of animals in advancing research that benefits humans, animals, and the environment. ASU’s Animal Care and Use Program provides animal housing, husbandry, and veterinary care; trains researchers on safe and ethical procedures; and ensures compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. The Department of Animal Care and technologies (DACT) provides exemplary care to all animals housed on campus and technical support to all investigators and instructors who use animals to advance education and knowledge. Learn more about ASU's commitment to animal care at https://researchintegrity.asu.edu/animals. 

Driving Requirement:

Location:

Funding:

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

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