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Purpose:
York University houses two Vivaria on the Keele campus. The Vivaria are essential in advancing the University’s Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan priorities of research intensification and expansion and increased comprehensiveness, in the areas of health and medicine and applied science. The university strives to be a leader in animal care and is committed to enhancing quality and effectiveness through service enhancement and resource optimization. The two facilities house a variety of small animal, aquatic and NHP species and serve approximately twenty-five faculty and their affiliated laboratories primarily from the department of Biology, in the Faculty of Science, the departments of Psychology and Kinesiology and Health Science, in the Faculty of Health. VPRI, is vested with managerial responsibility for the Vivaria and works collaboratively with the Faculty of Health and Faculty of Science to support operations. The University Veterinarian and Manager of Vivaria Operations works in cooperation with the Animal Care Committee (ACC) and consults with the Office of Research Ethics on all matters regarding animal care and use, to ensure that all regulatory requirements are achieved as they pertain to facility maintenance and operations. The University Veterinarian and Manager of Vivaria Operations has a duty to report issues of veterinary concern involving animal care and compliance, directly to the Office of the Vice-President Research and Innovation (VPRI).
The University Veterinarian and Manager of Vivaria Operations plays a professional and advisory role to facility users and senior administration across the University. The University Veterinarian and Manager of Vivaria Operations strives to meet or exceed animal care and welfare standards by: establishing and evaluating veterinary standards; networking with other practitioners to keep abreast of new developments, procedures and techniques; serving in an advisory role to senior University administrators, researchers, and Vivaria staff on all matters of professional veterinary concern; enhancing quality and effectiveness through service enhancement and resource optimization; and, the prioritization of animal facility deficiencies.
Education:
DVM with an emphasis on, or additional qualifications in, Laboratory Animal Medicine, including license to practice. License required to procure veterinary pharmaceuticals for clinical purposes, monitoring compliance to standards and to carry out responsibilities in relation to the development or revision of animal protocols. Licensure with The College of Veterinarians of Ontario is mandatory.
Experience:
Minimum 5 years related experience: minimum 2 years of experience practicing clinical medicine and developing familiarity with complex regulatory requirements. 3 + years of applied knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines in a complex research and teaching environment, preferably in a university environment; experience supporting an animal use program; experience with the assessment of animal use protocols; development of professional and industry networks; demonstrated experience working collaboratively with researchers to meet their needs and understanding of research processes and cycles. Experience managing staff in a unionized environment.
Skills:
Demonstrated expertise in researching, analyzing and interpreting complex information, and in drafting complex reports, planning and policy documents and standard operating procedures. Effective problem solving skills, ability to read and comprehend large amounts of scientific information. Able to create critical metrics and milestones to assess plans. Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, discretion, and sound judgment. Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to conduct environmental scans to position the Faculty to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Effectively uses influencing and negotiation skills to promote new initiatives and enlist cooperation; analyzes situations and assists in finding possible solutions. Effectively balances the needs of researchers and staff and assists in reaching consensus on approach while addressing concerns. Possesses a broad perspective of the Faculty and university, ability to build strategic partners and alliances, awareness of the trends and developments that impact the Faculty’s current and future state. Ability to align the Faculty’s vision, mission and values and strategy, tactics and operations. Employs strategic planning frameworks. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy and developing and implementing new strategies. Well-developed management, interpersonal, leadership and team building skills. Effective change management skills to identify the impact that organizational culture may have on change readiness and develops and implements strategies to overcome impediments to change. Discretion in dealing with union grievances. Advanced skills in Excel; knowledge of Lotus Notes.
Additional Notes:
Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credential(s) or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview. BSB and Farquarhson Vivariums - the duties of this job require working in two separate research facilities, each with unique needs and challenges.The Director must wear PPE at all times when entering housing, surgical or lab rooms (level of PPE varies by facility and animal species). The facility does not have windows and air handling is controlled to meet animal's needs (varying temperature and humidity). Exposure to noise from equipment, e.g. autoclaves (frequent). Animal bites/scratches (occasional). Exposure to animal fluids and biohazards (e.g. waste - continuous). The possibility of exposure to infectious disease (occasional).Works in an environment where there is frequent change, e.g. a lot of process/procedural changes. Responds to emergency situations where there is a lot of pressure to find a solution quickly. Responds to very adversarial/emotionally charged confrontations that are directed towards the manager as a result of the role in representing the interests of the Vivarium.
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*Compensation:
York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.
The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
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PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.