Director, Institute for Animal Studies

Company: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Location: New York
Posted on: February 18, 2025

Job Description:

About UsLong a national leader in biomedical research, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine receives almost $200 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health each year. This includes the funding for major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, and HIV/AIDS. Other major areas of research focus include developmental brain research, infectious diseases, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and community health initiatives. A crucial component of these research programs is utilizing animal models of disease.The Director of the Institute for Animal Studies (IAS) and Attending Veterinarian provides leadership of the IAS staff to support the highest quality animal biomedical research and education to provide the most humane animal care possible that complies with all animal welfare and health and safety policies and regulations. The IAS is responsible for four (4) facilities in different research buildings and provides animal-procurement and animal-husbandry services, veterinary care, comprehensive animal quality-assurance and quarantine programs, consultation services and training for all Einstein investigators utilizing animals in their research programs. The health care for all animals used in research studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein), which includes multiple species, is provided by the IAS veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal care takers.The Director of IAS will serve in the role of the Attending Veterinarian and be responsible for the program of veterinary care as outlined by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International and as provided by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which has regulatory oversight of the program. This includes responsibility for ensuring the Einstein AAALAC-accredited animal facilities meet required standards to ensure animal welfare. The Director of the Institute for Animal Studies (IAS) and Attending Veterinarian will have an academic appointment in a department that commensurate with their academic accomplishments.POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing overall leadership and direction to staff, which include Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, Husbandry staff (Management, Supervisors, and Technicians) and Office staff. This includes setting expectations & focus, assigning duties, delegating responsibilities, evaluating activities, and the preparation of performance appraisals & professional development plans.
• Providing financial oversight over the Institute for Animal Studies budget and its role as a shared services core facility.
• Identifying strategic goals based upon regular program assessment, developing plans consistent with current and emerging research needs at Einstein, and implementing actions necessary to achieve these goals as well as continuous program improvement. This includes participating in the submission of facilities grants for funding to NIH and other agencies.
• Ensuring animal care is implemented in a manner that meets the high standards required for accreditation by AAALAC (the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care) and compliance with state and federal regulations. This responsibility includes leading the preparation of AAALAC documents.
• Providing veterinary clinical care as needed in support of clinical veterinary staff.
• Working in collaboration with the IACUC and IACUC staff to ensure regulatory matters are addressed, and that animal welfare and research activities are balanced with efficient daily operations and long-range academic and facility needs.
• Serving as a member of the IACUC.
• Providing advice to campus animal facility management, animal users, and administration regarding current standards for research and animal care. Providing advice on the needs of the IAS for animal care, including consultation on facilities upgrades to meet regulatory, animal welfare requirements, and Einstein investigator needs.
• Overseeing the process of IAS staff hiring, promotions, terminations, disciplinary procedures, and salary adjustments. Provide ongoing performance feedback, goal setting, and development plans for IAS staff.
• Engaging, advising and training direct IAS reports to promote research excellence and productivity.
• Serving as an advocate and spokesperson for Einstein at the local, regional and national levels on issues relating to animal care and use.
• Developing and maintaining productive working relationships with faculty, students, staff and the surrounding community.
• Potentially serving as a scientific collaborator with Einstein faculty to support their research programs.QUALIFICATIONSDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary medical school or college is required.Board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine is required.A Master of Science (MS) or Ph.D. in a biomedical research-related field is preferred, but not required.A current license to practice veterinary medicine in a state or territory of the United States is required. The successful candidate is expected to attain licensure in the state of New York.At least five years of leadership and supervisory experience (e.g. Senior Veterinarian, Assistant/Associate Director or Director level) in a major research laboratory animal facility (academic or industry).Up to date knowledge of laboratory animal medicine and science, as well as research processes.In-depth knowledge of state and federal regulations and AAALAC accreditation standards.Demonstrated leadership ability. Must be able to advise, counsel and train investigators in appropriate animal procedures with the aim of humane animal care. Ability to influence; build relationships; foster collaboration; acquire and develop talent; and inspire to achieve shared objectives.Knowledge of appropriate equipment, facilities and operations required to accomplish a wide array of activities related to animal housing and research, including the use of biological and chemical hazards in an animal research setting.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strategic budget and accounting skills to produce a budget plan, forecast trends; conduct periodic cost analyses of operations.Applications should include:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Names and contact information of at least 3 referees.In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range is $270,000 to $315,000. Einstein considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
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Keywords: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York , Director, Institute for Animal Studies, Executive , New York, New York