Animal Care and Research Support Assistant

**Animal Care and Research Support Assistant**:
The University of Saskatchewan's (USask) main campus is located in the vibrant city of Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis. USask is one of the top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious diseases.

The Office of the Vice-President Research (OVPR) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to the university’s research, scholarly, and artistic works. This is achieved by creating strategic partnerships, plans, and policies that together create a supportive research environment indicative of a world-class research-intensive university.

**Primary Purpose**: Under the Vice-President Research, Research Excellence and Innovation (REI) is responsible for research ethics and compliance involving both human and animal studies. Reporting to the University Veterinarian and Director, Animal care and Research Support, with day to day guidance provided by the Research Ethics Specialist (Animal), the position works within the Animal Care and Research Support Office and with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Animal Care Committee (UACC) to assist with the animal ethics review process.

The Animal Care and Research Support (ACRS) Assistant works as a member of the team responsible for providing administrative support to the UACC, ensuring an effective animal care and use program at the USask. This position serves as a resource to the campus community, providing information and education around best practices in animal care and use.

This role requires highly effective interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships, excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with students, faculty and staff, always handling interactions with professionalism (tact, discretion, confidentiality and cultural sensitivity); meticulous attention to detail; ability to recognize and analyze problems, to propose effective solutions and to refer issues to other staff as appropriate.

Success in this role requires balancing the ability to work independently and as part of a team; following instructions, policies and procedures while exercising initiative; setting priorities and seeking assistance when needed. Work must be performed in accordance with USask UACC policies and procedures, as well as CCAC standards.

**Typical Duties or Accountabilities**:

- Support the administration and advancement of the university’s animal care and use program by coordinating and advising on the animal ethics review process.
- Ensure the animal research ethics review process is in accordance with USask policies and procedures, and national and international regulatory guidelines.
- Maintain and review standard operating procedures for the animal research ethics review process and the UACC administrative functions.
- Serve as a non-voting member of the UACC, participating in meetings, managing communications, and acting as secretary to the committee.
- Support reporting to the AREB and UACC by organizing and compiling monthly and annual statistics on animal use protocols.
- Organize/distribute AREB meeting files.
- Maintain and review REI animal ethics related terms of reference, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain communication between the office, UACC, and researchers and facility managers.
- Cover the Animal Order Desk with regards to processing animal orders and reports of animal use.
- Other related tasks as assigned.

**Education**: An undergraduate degree in a relevant field is required. A graduate degree in a relevant field is considered an asset. A combination of equivalent level experience and training (RLAT) will be considered.

**Experience**: 1 - 2 years of experience of administrative experience in a University setting, preferably at the University of Saskatchewan or a similar large institution. Knowledge of the University research environment, particularly as it relates to ethics in research is considered an asset.

**Skills**: Demonstrated ability to prioritize and work independently in a variety of routine and critical situations; highly effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both written and verbal; a desire to listen and respond to the needs and concerns of researchers and a willingness to be accessible to faculty, staff and students; strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office software, including Access); ability to adapt to and work in a dynamic work environment maintaining a professional and positive demeanor; demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with mínimal supervision; and the ability to function under pressure and in stressful situations.

**Department**: Research Excellence & Innovation
**Status**: Term, 12 months, with the possibility of extension
**Employment