IACUC seeks candidates for executive chair

The complexity of UNMC’s animal care and use program has grown in relationship to the growth of research funding; new regulatory requirements and higher AAALAC International standards. In light of the increased workload of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the Office of Academic Affairs, in consultation with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, has decided to create the position of executive chair of the IACUC (ECI).

The ECI will report administratively to the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. All interested individuals are encouraged to apply.







Application, deadline info



Applications should be submitted in writing with a current CV to:
Ernest D. Prentice, Ph.D.;
Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs;
Regulatory Affairs — IACUC;
ZIP 7830.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday, Dec. 9.



Qualifications, experience
Candidates must have the following qualifications and experience: 1) full- or part-time senior UNMC faculty appointment; 2) Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M. or equivalent terminal degree; 3) experience in conducting research involving animals; 4) experience in serving on an IACUC; 5) knowledge of the PHS Policy and USDA Regulations. Administrative, leadership and teaching experience are essential. Skills in Web based course design are desirable.

Position description
The ECI is a .3 FTE administrative position. The ECI will be responsible for the following:

  • Ongoing operation of the IACUC, which includes protocol review and oversight activities in accordance with PHS, USDA, and institutional requirements. The ECI will work closely with the Director of Comparative Medicine, the IACUC Administrator, committee members, and UNMC/UNO investigators to facilitate efficient review of animal research that will be conducted in full compliance with all applicable federal and institutional requirements.
  • Development and implementation of education and training programs for IACUC members, investigators and research technicians which reflect evolving national standards of animal care and use.
  • Development of an IACUC Web site.
  • Development of electronic IACUC submissions.

The position of ECI includes an administrative stipend.


Executive chair of IACUC (ECI) detailed position description

1.The ECI will occupy a leadership role in UNMC/UNO’s animal care and use program. The ECI will work closely with the Director of Comparative Medicine, the IACUC Administrator, IACUC members and investigators.

2.The ECI will set the agenda and chair full committee meetings and continuing review subcommittee meetings.

3.The ECI will perform a pre-review of new IACUC Applications and identify major problems (e.g., lack of detail or clarification) in advance of full committee review. The ECI will contact the investigator and/or assigned IACUC reviewers to obtain any necessary answers in order to facilitate efficient review.

4.The ECI will serve as a designated reviewer in conjunction with the Director of Comparative Medicine or assign committee members as designated reviewers for review of new IACUC Applications and Requests for Change, which qualify for designated review.

5.The ECI in collaboration with the Director of Comparative Medicine, IACUC Administrator and IACUC members will write IACUC protocol review letters which arise from either full committee or designated review. The ECI and/or the attending veterinarian will contact investigators after the meeting, as necessary (in person or by phone) to help them respond to the IACUC review.

6.The ECI, in conjunction with the IACUC Administrator and Director of Comparative Medicine, will revise all current IACUC forms to meet nationally established standards reflected at well known IACUCs and will develop electronic submission capability.

7.The ECI will develop a Rapid Response IACUC to review protocols where there are compelling reasons not to wait until the next IACUC meeting.

8.The ECI will develop and implement on-going IACUC training programs for IACUC members, investigators, and technicians in the form of seminars, workshops or on-line approaches.

9.The ECI, in conjunction with the Director of Comparative Medicine and the IACUC Administrator, will develop an IACUC Bulletin to be issued quarterly or more often in order to advise animal users of national issues, new policies and other items of interest.

10.The ECI, in conjunction with IT, the Director of Comparative Medicine and the IACUC Administrator, will develop an IACUC web site.

11.The ECI will lead semi-annual inspections and will write the inspection reports.

12.The ECI will lead investigations of non-compliance and write up reports of non-compliance.

13.The ECI will attend one national IACUC meeting per year.

14.The ECI will participate in the completion of the AAALAC self study and accreditation site visit.

15.The ECI is encouraged to become involved nationally by publishing articles on IACUC related topics and participating as faculty in national conferences.