Animal Ethics and Compliance Coordinator

This position has an expected end date of of March 31, 2028, with a possibility of extension pending funding approval.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The University is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative Animal Ethics and Compliance Coordinator to join its Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio.

The RIS portfolio supports the responsible administration of ethics and compliance requirements for research, teaching and testing involving animals. The University’s Animal Care and Use Program operates in accordance with institutional policies and procedures, applicable legislation and standards, and the requirements of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). Animal Care and Use Committees (ACUCs) oversee and approve animal use, while the Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) Program verifies that approved activities are conducted as authorized and that identified concerns are appropriately addressed.

Reporting to the Manager, Animal Ethics and Compliance, the Coordinator plans, conducts, documents and follows up on risk-based reviews of animal use activities. Work may take place across multiple University campuses, affiliated locations, and approved off-campus or field sites.
Using an educational, collaborative and risk-based approach, the Coordinator promotes continuous improvement, strong animal welfare practices, accurate documentation and compliance with approved protocols and program requirements. The position works closely with researchers, animal care personnel, facility leaders, veterinarians, research integrity staff and other institutional partners.

The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, technical knowledge, discretion and strong communication skills to identify and document findings, provide practical guidance within established requirements, and escalate significant, repeated or unresolved concerns appropriately.

Post-Approval Monitoring and Procedure Audits — 40%

• Maintain a proactive schedule of routine, risk-based and assigned post-approval reviews in consultation with the Manager.
• Conduct procedural observations and cage-side reviews in animal facilities, laboratories, teaching settings, field locations and other approved sites.
• Review relevant records, including procedure and monitoring records, animal identification, breeding and colony records, training documentation, drug and agent records, and other documentation required to assess compliance.
• Compare observed activities with approved Animal Use Protocols (AUPs), amendments, conditions of approval, institutional SOPs, training requirements and applicable CCAC standards.
• Conduct respectful debriefs with research and animal care personnel to clarify established expectations, identify opportunities for improvement and document observations using standardized tools.
• Prepare clear, objective reports that distinguish compliant practices, observations, required corrective actions, recommendations and matters requiring escalation.

Animal Housing, Procedural Space and External Site Assessments — 25%

• Conduct initial, renewal and risk-based assessments of approved animal housing and procedural spaces, including alternate animal housing locations and temporary or specialized animal use areas.
• Participate in ACUC site visits to animal care facilities and approved external sites.
• Coordinate documentation and track responses to findings and recommendations.
• Assess whether space, equipment, environmental controls, sanitation, security, emergency arrangements, records and local practices are appropriate for approved animal activities.
• Work collaboratively with facility managers, researchers, veterinarians, safety partners and ACUC.
• Maintain inspection and follow-up records and identify expired, incomplete or unresolved approvals requiring timely action.

Report Intake, Preliminary Triage and Compliance Follow-up — 20%

• Receive animal welfare, non-compliance and reportable event information through established program channels, ensuring information is handled confidentially and promptly.
• Conduct preliminary intake by gathering available facts, timelines, records and relevant protocol requirements without making final findings or determinations.
• Apply established risk and triage criteria to distinguish routine or minor matters suitable for operational follow-up from matters requiring immediate Manager, veterinarian or ACUC review.
• Prepare concise, factual intake summaries and organize supporting documentation for further review when matters are significant, repeated, complex, contested or unresolved.
• Monitor completion of ACUC conditions, corrective actions, protocol changes, animal-use limits, required training and other institutional requirements.
• Verify implementation of approved corrective actions, document closure.

Program Records, Scheduling and Operational Reporting — 10%

• Coordinate calendars, notifications, documentation and logistics for routine activities.
• Compile operational metrics and summarize recurring observations and trends.
• Conduct periodic record checks to identify overdue requirements, unusual patterns, missing information or other indicators requiring review.
• Prepare routine status summaries for the ACUC and Manager.

Operational Resources, Education and Program Support — 5%

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of operational audit tools, checklists, templates and educational resources under established program standards and direction.
• Contribute to training and outreach for researchers, staff, students and committee members on recurring compliance themes and good practices.
• Provide cross-coverage for other Animal Ethics and Compliance activities within the scope of the position.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Certification

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in life science, animal science or a related discipline, or registration as a veterinary technologist.
• Advanced training involving animal-based research is an asset.
• Certification through the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS), such as RLAT or RMLAT, is an asset.

Experience

• 3-5 years of experience in animal-based research, teaching, veterinary care, animal facility operations, quality assurance, compliance or a related environment.
• Direct experience working with multiple animal species and a range of common technical, surgical, monitoring, husbandry or field procedures is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting audits, inspections, investigations or structured assessments is an asset.

Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of CCAC policies and guidelines, the Three Rs, humane endpoints, animal monitoring, analgesia and anesthesia principles, and standards relevant to animal housing, procedures and records.
• Ability to read and interpret complex AUPs, SOPs, conditions of approval, technical records and institutional policies, and to compare approved requirements with observed practices.
• Strong observational, analytical and interviewing skills, with the ability to gather facts objectively and distinguish minor, moderate and significant concerns.
• Strong understanding of animal welfare principles and compliance practices in research, teaching and testing environments.

Communication and Professional Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise, objective and defensible reports and explain requirements respectfully to varied audiences.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and records-management skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of work and competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated diplomacy, discretion, sound judgment and conflict-management skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and influence corrective action without direct authority.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with researchers, animal care personnel, veterinarians, facility leaders and institutional partners.

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid Alberta Class 5 (non-GDL) driver’s license.
• Must be able to provide a recent copy of a three-year driver’s abstract with no more than six (6) demerits and/or two (2) moving violations within the last two years.
• Ability to travel between University campuses, affiliated locations and approved external or field sites.
• Ability to work in animal care and research environments and conduct on-site observations and assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and respond appropriately to compliance concerns and reportable events.

Application Instructions

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This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.