Protocol Specialist/Protocol Specialist Veterinarian - University of Pennsylvania

University Overview


The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.




Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.




The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.








Posted Job Title

Protocol Specialist/Protocol Specialist Veterinarian





Job Profile Title

Staff Veterinarian





Job Description Summary

The Protocol Specialist Veterinarian’s (PSV) primary role within the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) will be to focus on performing and managing IACUC pre-review of protocols and amendments and providing support to researchers working with animals. The PSV will review submissions and advise researchers regarding appropriate veterinary care for non-USDA-regulated species. In conjunction with the other members of the administrative team, the PSV will perform protocol and amendment pre-reviews, manage the IACUC review process, and serve as the first line of support for the research community for questions about the online protocol system and protocol reviews. Additional support provided to the research community will include providing training for protocol submissions and participating in the Laboratory Animal Research Coordinator (LARC) training program. The PSV will serve as an alternate member of the IACUC and as an ad-hoc member of the IACUC Training and Veterinary Care Subcommittees. Additional duties may include assisting with administrative and technical tasks and IACUC meetings.



The Protocol Specialist’s (PS) primary role within the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) will be to focus on performing and managing IACUC pre-review of protocols and amendments and providing support to researchers working with animals. In conjunction with the other members of the administrative team, the PS will perform protocol and amendment pre-reviews, manage the IACUC review process, and serve as the first line of support for the research community for questions about the online protocol system and protocol reviews. Additional support provided to the research community will include providing training for protocol submissions and participating in the Laboratory Animal Research Coordinator (LARC) training program. The PS will serve as an ad-hoc member of the IACUC Training Subcommittee. Additional duties may include assisting with administrative and technical tasks and IACUC meetings.





Job Description


Job Responsibilities



+ Conduct veterinary reviews of IACUC protocols and amendments and advise researchers regarding veterinary-related concerns for non-USDA-regulated species, including recommendations for anesthetics/analgesics, treatments, and humane endpoints.


+ Conduct pre-reviews of IACUC protocols and amendments and participate in managing the IACUC pre-review process, which requires comprehension of complex research practices and concepts.


+ Work collaboratively with animal researchers to modify protocols and serve as a liaison between them and the IACUC during the review process.


+ Coordinate and conduct in-person/virtual training sessions covering the online protocol system, protocol submission guidance, and the protocol review process.


+ Serve as an ad hoc member of the IACUC Training and Veterinary Care Subcommittees (or any other subcommittees as needed) to review and update animal program trainings, IACUC guidelines and policies, and related issues pertinent to the Animal Care & Use program at Penn.


+ Perform or assist with other duties in a primary or backup role, including protocol-grant congruency checks, technical system operations, sub awards/offsite protocol reviews and approvals, participation in the LARC program, IACUC meeting management, and preparation for or participation in internal or external regulatory inspections.





Qualification:





+ D.V.M/V.M.D and 2-3 years experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.


+ ACLAM board eligibility is required.


+ ACLAM board certification preferred.


+ Veterinary license is required in at least one state.


+ CPIA certification or eligibility preferred.





Job-Related Knowledge/Skills



+ Laboratory animal medicine (clinical or regulatory), including knowledge of use of anesthetics and analgesics, humane endpoints, and treatment of model-related conditions as pertains to work proposed in IACUC protocols.


+ Biomedical research performance or oversight (including familiarity with complex research paradigms such as work with surgical models or with biohazards requiring IBC approval).


+ Performance of IACUC-related work, including familiarity with various animal welfare laws, regulations, and policies and experience with external agency requirements (USDA, AAALAC, OLAW, etc.).


+ Excellent attention to detail with strong written and verbal communication as well as organizational and administrative skills.


+ Ability to independently prioritize workload and to manage projects and complex tasks unsupervised; flexible when working under time-constraints.


+ Exceptional interpersonal skills with a customer service attitude; comfortable in interfacing with all levels of the University with a high level of awareness of interdepartmental relationships.


+ Professional demeanor and courteous attitude towards colleagues, including Principal Investigators, research personnel, IACUC members, and staff at other Penn offices.


+ Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents utilizing judgment, diplomacy, and discretion.


+ Computer/technical proficiency (i.e., good knowledge of MS Office Packages – Excel, Word).







Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Job Responsibilities



+ Conduct pre-reviews of IACUC protocols and amendments and participate in managing the IACUC pre-review process, including a comprehensive review of complex scientific content as well as collaboration with University veterinarians regarding guidance provided to investigators related to any procedures requiring the use of anesthetics, analgesics, humane endpoints, or treatments of model-related conditions.


+ Work collaboratively with animal researchers to modify protocols and serve as a liaison between them and the IACUC during the review process, using biomedical research expertise to inform discussion of scientific methods and model requirements.


+ Coordinate and conduct in-person and virtual training sessions on the online protocol system, protocol submission guidance, and the protocol review process.


+ Serve as an ad hoc member of the IACUC Training Subcommittee (or any other subcommittees as needed) to review and update animal program training and related issues.


+ Perform or assist with other duties in a primary or backup role, including protocol-grant congruency checks, technical system operations, sub-awards/offsite protocol reviews and approvals, IACUC meeting management, participation in the the LARC program, IACUC guideline and policy updates, and preparation for or participation in internal or external regulatory inspections.





Qualifications:



+ Ph.D. in biomedical-related field and 2-3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.


+ CPIA certification or eligibility preferred.





Job-Related Knowledge/Skills



+ Experience in biomedical research performance or oversight, including familiarity with complex research paradigms such as work with surgical models or with biohazards requiring IBC approval.


+ Performance of IACUC-related work, including familiarity with various animal welfare laws, regulations, and policies and experience with external agency requirements (USDA, AAALAC, OLAW, etc.)


+ Excellent attention to detail with strong written and verbal communication as well as organizational and administrative skills.


+ Ability to independently prioritize workload and to manage projects and complex tasks unsupervised; flexible when working under time constraints.


+ Exceptional interpersonal skills with a customer service attitude; comfortable in interfacing with all levels of the University with a high level of awareness of interdepartmental relationships


+ Professional demeanor and courteous attitude toward colleagues, including Principal Investigators, research, IACUC members, and staff at other Penn offices.


+ Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and documents utilizing judgment, diplomacy, and discretion •Computer/technical proficiency (i.e., good knowledge of MS Office Packages – Excel, Word).







Department / School

Provost's Center





Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.




Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.