Director of Comparative Medicine - NHP

We are a leading organization in the drug development sector, committed to pioneering solutions for infectious diseases and gene therapies. Our advanced bio-secure facility supports a wide range of preclinical programs, underpinned by a dedication to scientific excellence and innovation.

Position Overview:

As the Director of Comparative Medicine, you will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction and operational management of our comparative medicine department. This pivotal role demands a blend of scientific acumen and leadership finesse, ensuring our research protocols mirror the complexities of human disease and treatment modalities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
• Craft and execute long-term strategies for the comparative medicine department to support the organization's research and development goals.
• Lead operational planning and implementation, ensuring department objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and ethical standards, maintaining essential accreditations and compliance with AAALAC, USDA, FDA, and other relevant bodies.
• Prepare for and oversee compliance audits and reports, maintaining impeccable standards of research and animal welfare.
• Research Management:
• Supervise the design and execution of preclinical studies, ensuring they meet scientific, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Provide expert input into the development of animal models for preclinical research, aligning them with therapeutic targets.
• Operational Excellence:
• Manage daily operations, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation, to optimize department performance.
• Integrate new technologies and methodologies to enhance research outcomes and operational workflows.
• Team Leadership:
• Lead recruitment, training, and mentorship of a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of excellence and ethical research.
• Design and implement professional development programs to nurture talent within the department.
• Collaboration:
• Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure the comparative medicine strategy is integrally supported across the organization.
• Maintain open communication channels with internal and external stakeholders, reporting on departmental progress and strategic outcomes.
• Quality Assurance:
• Uphold the highest quality standards in all research activities, continuously auditing and improving processes.
• Ensure the health and welfare of animals are a paramount consideration in all research activities.
• Institutional Engagement:
• Actively participate in institutional committees, such as the IACUC, offering expertise on animal welfare and research integrity.

Qualifications:

• DVM from an AVMA accredited program with ACLAM certification.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a research or laboratory animal facility, including 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and operational management within a comparative medicine or related research environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory compliance standards in a research setting.
• Proven leadership qualities with the ability to manage and develop a diverse team.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders effectively.