Animal Ethics and Compliance Specialist

**Date Posted**:09/10/2025
**Req ID**: 44588
**Faculty/Division**: VP - Research
**Department**: Research Oversight & Compliance Office
**Campus**: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
**Position Number**: 00058009

**Description**:
**About us**:
**Your opportunity**:
The Animal Ethics & Compliance Specialist plays a critical role in the administration and oversight of the University’s Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP), supporting the University’s compliance with federal and provincial regulatory frameworks, funding agency requirements, and institutional policies. This position involves independent assessment, coordination, and communication across a complex and evolving research environment.

Reporting to the Program Manager of Animal Ethics & Compliance and supervised by the Animal Ethics & Compliance Supervisor, the Specialist is responsible for managing compliance processes that ensure the continuity of research activities involving animals. This includes assessing Animal Use Protocol (AUP) submissions, restricting funding where necessary, and coordinating key activities of the various ACUP committees.

The Specialist is the first point of contact for members of the animal research community, providing guidance on policy interpretation, ethics processes, and regulatory obligations. With access to sensitive research and funding information, the role demands sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders.

This is a great opportunity for a compliance-focused professional with hands-on knowledge of animal research environments, a deep understanding of ethical review procedures, and the ability to navigate the intersection of policy, operations, and research.

**Your responsibilities will include**:

- Responding to enquiries within the defined scope of the role and redirecting as appropriate
- Providing detailed information on processes, policies, and procedures
- Assessing and determining if Animal Use Protocols submissions meet approval criteria
- Determining when to hold funding linked to lapsed protocols and releasing once approvals are received
- Tracking and monitoring research activities
- Training researchers on guidelines for the ethical conduct of research
- Taking and distributing meeting minutes
- Scheduling committee meetings

**Essential Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree in an animal research-related field, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum four (4) years of relevant experience in research administration and regulatory compliance related to animal care and use, preferably in a university or research hospital setting.
- Experience working in animal research and/or teaching environments, with familiarity in AUPs, animal care operations, and oversight processes.
- Experience coordinating an Animal Care Committee (ACC).
- Experience using animal protocol management software/databases to support ACC processes and compliance oversight.
- Experience navigating the language, culture, structure, requirements, and expectations of the research community, including the University, CCAC, OMAFA, and major funding agencies.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate written communication tailored to academic, scientific, and regulatory audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diplomatically and effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in sensitive or complex situations.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with experience managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in compliance documentation and process execution.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex and evolving research environment.

**Assets (Nonessential)**:

- Technical experience working directly with animals in a research or teaching setting.
- Knowledge of or experience with a range of animal models used in biomedical, agricultural, or educational contexts.
- Exposure to or experience supporting pedagogical merit review and scientific merit peer review processes.
- Awareness of and engagement with emerging trends and best practices in animal ethics, compliance, and institutional oversight.

**To be successful in this role you will be**:

- Adaptable
- Diplomatic
- Multi-tasker
- Resourceful
- Tactful

**Closing Date**: 09/23/2025, 11:59PM ET
**Employee Group**: USW
**Appointment Type**: Budget - Continuing
**Schedule**: Full-Time
**Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone**:
**Job Category**: Administrative / Managerial
**Recruiter**: Anita Chooraman

**Lived Experience Statement