Department VP RI Animal Facilities

Salary range $63,972.00 to $88,539.48

Hours per week 35

Grade 10

Posted date

Closing date September 16, 2025

Position Type Full Time - Operating Funded

Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more**.**

Working for the Animal Care and Use Program

The University of Alberta’s Animal Care and Use Program, under the direction of the University Veterinarian, in the Vice President Research and Integrity (VPRI) office, is responsible for providing support to the animal-based research and teaching community associated with the University of Alberta and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, Research Integrity Support compliance team, and its animal facilities. The University of Alberta is committed to providing excellence in support to all UA faculty, staff and trainees with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity.

Position

The Team Lead of Animal Care and Research Support, supports the University’s research mission by providing significant expertise to support animal care and use. As a key member of an integrated research support team, this role supports the University of Alberta researchers by supporting and advising researchers and their staff on animal care standards and facility procedures. This includes drawing on an extensive knowledge of animal care and use issues and requirements, knowledge of CCAC guidelines and compliance with Institutional policies and procedures. This position supports and advises the University of Alberta researcher groups with regard to compliance with applicable regulations, policy and legislation. In addition, this position contributes to the development of written standard operation procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for use of animals, within NCAS facilities. The duties of this position are various and multifaceted, and require significant teamwork in a high-volume fast-paced environment. Support of animal research requires detailed knowledge of current SOP’s, University policy and procedures and the CCAC guidelines.

Directly supervises the personnel consisting of Animal Care Technicians (Grade 6) and reports directly to the Senior Office of Animal Operations (SO-AO).

Rotational supervisory duties, for weekend and statutory holidays, of 20-25 staff per the divisions Modified Hours of Work Agreement. Provide coverage for other Team Leads of Animal Care and Research Support in their absence.

Responsible to oversee and follow-up on requests, procedures, and projects. They must be able to determine that the animal care is performed to the Principal Investigator’s (PIs) request, established SOPs, and protocol. This involves knowing the proper procedures and SOPs specific to each project, similarities or differences among projects and species, how the outcome or the project can be affected, and ultimately the scientific validity.

Species may include but are not limited to; dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, amphibians, fish, domestic fowl, ferrets, domestic and miniature pigs.

Must have an in-depth understanding of the complexity of the daily functioning of the unit and all tasks performed within the work group. They must have a detailed understanding of the complexity of a procedure, differences between species and health status in order to coach team members on their roles.

Duties

• Coordinating Animal Care
• Animal Care
• Investigator Colony Management and Research Support
• Leadership, Supervision and Performance Management
• Facility Equipment Maintenance and Additional Duties/Special Projects

Qualifications

• Two-year Animal Health Technology Diploma, NAIT Biological Sciences Technology – Laboratory and Research Diploma, BSc or equivalent, is mandatory.
• Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (CALAS/ASCAL) is mandatory. Continuing education required to maintain CALAS/ASCAL and/or AAAHT registry status.
• Strong working knowledge of the University of Alberta NASA Collective Agreement.
• Formalized leadership training and/or experience such as, but not limited to, completion of Supervisory Development Certificate or Management Development certificate available through the University of Alberta, is mandatory within 36 months of hire.
• Six plus years in an animal health related field with at least three years in a laboratory animal care facility. Experience in a biomedical research facility is preferred.
• Continuing education relating to management and supervision of staff.
• Strong operational knowledge of all work activities, including interaction and problem solving with researchers, external agencies and other colleagues.
• U of A Biosafety and Laboratory safety courses are mandatory.
• Working knowledge of general office equipment and computers including MS Office and/or Google Applications and/or in-house software (as required).
• Professional demeanor and positive, well developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated core competencies in the areas of: professionalism, adaptability, customer service, job knowledge, results orientation and teamwork.
• Demonstrated job-specific competencies in the areas of: communication, creative problem-solving, digital literacy, environmental health & safety, leadership, resource & fiscal management, self-management, staff engagement, and systems thinking.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and a strong client-service orientation in the context of current research needs and animal welfare.
• This position requires application of high-level critical thinking and knowledge of animal use for compliance with CCAC guidelines, current practice guidelines and legislation across a diverse cross section of species and technical procedures commonly used in animal research.
• This position must have demonstrated ability to consistently and effectively apply high level critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills in a high volume, fast-paced environment. In addition, the individual must have well developed administrative and office skills.
• Registered Master Laboratory Animal Technician (CALAS/ASCAL) is an asset.
• Current member of the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists (AAAHT) is an asset.

This competition will be used to fill 5 positions.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 16, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.