The Animal Husbandry Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of animal care services provided by the Department of Comparative Medicine to the OHSU Central and Waterfront Campus (CWC) research community. Programs supported by DCM utilize a large variety of laboratory research animals, including but not limited to, fish, amphibians, birds and a wide range of rodent and non-rodent mammalian species. Provides detailed direction, coordination and instruction to animal husbandry staff and is responsible for the overall execution of husbandry practices and procedures performed by this staff. Conducts appropriate follow up or reporting of animal health and welfare issues to veterinary staff and researchers. Allocates resources to assure the care, health, and housing needs of laboratory research animals. Works as a member of a highly interdependent team and uses a professional approach to providing husbandry and technical services to research investigators.

Animal Husbandry Staff Management:

• Directs and coordinates the assignment, supervision, and training of laboratory animal husbandry staff.
• Regularly adjusts assignments and workloads to meet operational demands.
• Routinely inspects all aspects of husbandry operations for completion and thoroughness.
• Provides detailed instructions and ensures effective coordination between husbandry, veterinary, and facilities staff.
• Actively engages with research staff on proper husbandry practices and initiates corrective actions when necessary.
• Promotes adherence to proper husbandry standards and protocols.

Human Resources Management:

• Manages employee recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, performance reviews, and work assignments.
• Approves leave, encourages professional growth, and provides coaching and mentoring.
• Implements disciplinary actions as appropriate.
• Plans staffing levels, promotions, recognition, and individual development plans.
• Appropriately addresses grievances and disciplinary matters.

Animal Monitoring and Welfare:

• Ensures animals are monitored daily by qualified, trained personnel for proper husbandry and health assessments.
• Facilitates prompt reporting of animal health concerns to veterinary personnel.

Record Management and Regulatory Compliance:

• Maintains accurate records as required by federal regulations, guidelines, and OHSU policies.
• Oversees ordering and management of necessary supplies.
• Ensures compliance with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and special protocols.

Specialized Colony Management:

• Provides training and oversight for specialized colony management, including specific pathogen-free barrier rooms, immune-deficient, and gnotobiotic animals.
• Ensures staff adherence to aseptic techniques and pathogen control procedures.
• Coordinates animal housing logistics for imports and internal transfers.

Researcher Support and Guidance:

• Provides guidance, training, and assistance to research staff regarding humane animal care and use practices.
• Documents and reports deficiencies in care to facility management or veterinary staff.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other responsibilities relevant to the position, as needed. This includes, but is not limited to, animal care, animal room maintenance, and performance of animal receiving procedures. 

• Five years of relevant experience in an animal research or veterinary environment and 3 years of management/supervisory experience or equivalent combination of both.

• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations pertaining to laboratory animal care and use. 

• Knowledge of animal health and husbandry practices in a laboratory enviornment, animal behavior, sanitation processes, aseptic techniques and environmental conditions that affect laboratory animals.

• Strong written and oral communication skills. 

• Team building and conflict resolutions skills, the ability to mulitask and manage workflows with frequent interruptions and changes while reamining flexible and adaptable to change. 

• Ability to effectivly and proactively  manage staff within the guidelines of a union contract and use personel resources appropriatly. 

• Computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel spread sheets and e-mail communication sofware.

• Skill in providing effective leadership for a large, diverse group of employees.

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at any level and/or Institiute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM) certification.

• Current Drivers License 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field eg. Biology, animal science, etc.
• AALAS Certified Manager of Laboratory Animal Resources (CMAR)

Administrative and supervisory functions are located within numerous functional vivaria. Will be required to handle animals that have the potential to bite, scratch or harbor zoonotic diseases. Occupational exposure to chemical, biological pathogens and radioactive material. Will be required to work occasional weekends or irregular hours.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.