The Animal Research Facilities (ARF) at NTU is seeking to hire a Director/Deputy Director who is experienced in all aspects of managing an academic animal research facility. It comprises of 4 main housing facilities licensed by the Animal and Veterinary Services at NParks.
- Animal Research Facilities at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Clinical Science Building, Novena, holding mainly rodents (1,600sqm)
- Research Support Building at NTU Yunnan Campus housing rodents (1,300sqm)
- Zebrafish Facility at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Experimental Medicine Building, NTU Main Campus (400 sqm)
- NIE fish facility
Responsibilities:
1. Oversee animal care, equipment and ARF-RSB facility team to meet the needs of LKCMedicine and SBS scientific communities.
- Responsible for developing, timely updating and communicating all standard operating procedures. This includes the acquisition and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal functionality and safety.
- Ensure compliance to IACUC protocols and ethics to safeguard animal welfare.
- Involve in conducting animal facility inspections as appropriate, including tracking and reporting statistics for Singapore agencies to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements..
2. Management and Administration of budgets for ARF
- Preparation, submission and presentation of the annual budgets for the NTU ARFs (LKCMedicine and RSB) to senior management of LKCMedicine and NTU.
- Work closely with ARF-RSB administrative leads to track budget utilization and achieve accurate marksmanship annually.
- Streamline and align ARF administration work such as procurement, with NTU policy and best practices in collaboration with ARF-RSB administrative leads.
3. Management of expanded suite of specialized services for the research community
- Design and develop in-house expanded scope of specialized service offerings tailored to the needs of the research community.
- Collaborate with principal investigators, veterinarian support staff, regulatory committees and industry partners to ensure the service meet high standards and industry requirements.
- Engage with external stakeholders including industry collaborators to promote and maximize the utilization of facility’s specialized services.
- Develop in-house capabilities including upskilling of staff to deliver the expanded suite of specialized services and keep pace with industry advancements and emerging research needs.
4. Fulfil and maintain accreditation standards to ensure compliance with professional accreditation regulations
- Responsible for maintaining all applicable accreditations standards for the care and use of laboratory animals at NTU.
- Ensure compliance with professional accreditation regulations, including regular reviews and updates to meet evolving standards.
5. Oversee planning and execution of activities and events relating to ARF
- Planning of research activities including the monthly ARF seminar series established at LKCMedicine to ensure that the NTU ARFs are aligned with current and/or planned resources.
- Participate in institutional committees as NTU ARF-RSB‘s representative, contributing to the development and alignment of research initiatives.
Requirements
- Veterinary Medical Degree (DVM or VMD) or PhD in Biomedical sciences. Diplomate status within the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DACLAM) is desirable, but not required.
- At least 15 years’ experience working in an Animal Facility at the managerial and leadership level in managing and directing vivarium operations, including animal husbandry, preventative veterinary care, diagnosis, treatment, and control of disease, animal surgery and postoperative care, euthanasia, and necropsy.
- Documented experience in directing a complex animal resources program and awareness of Biological Agents and Toxins Act requirements in Singapore.
- Must be experienced in managing the operational needs of an animal facility including working with the staff and users.
- Possess knowledge of Singapore regulations, guidelines and policies, and AAALAC accreditation standards pertaining to the care and use of laboratory animals.
- Possess knowledge and experience in workflow between animal facilities of different hygienic standards, import of rodents and re-derivation projects as well as GLP operations and procedures.
- Ability to analyze/evaluate data, make appropriate recommendations and prepare operating/capital budgets.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills and the ability to motivate others and confidently set the professional and collegial example for others to follow.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
