Animal Ethics and Compliance Specialist

Date Posted: 07/31/2025
Req ID: 44588
Faculty/Division: VP - Research
Department: Research Oversight & Compliance Office
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00058009

Description:

About us:

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possibleso that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best —advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, alongwith our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

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 supporting or serving on an Animal Care Committee (ACC).
• Experience with animal protocol management software and/or databases.
• Thorough knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) policies and guidelines, Animals for Research Act under the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA), and other applicable legislation and ethical frameworks governing the use of animals in research and teaching.
• Understanding of the language and culture of the research community andthe structure, requirements, and expectations of the University, CCAC, OMAFA, and major funding agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, guidelines, and procedures to a wide range of scenarios.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, concise correspondence and documents 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.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• High attention to detail andaccuracy in documentation and process execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex and evolving environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook,OneDrive, SharePoint, Visio, Forms).

Assets (Nonessential):

• Technical experience working directly with animals in a research or teaching setting.
• Knowledge of various animal models used in biomedical, agricultural, or educational contexts.
• Familiarity with pedagogical merit review and scientific merit peer review processes.
• Knowledge of 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: 08/15/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  
USW Pay Band 10 -- $72,119. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $92,226. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Anita Chooraman

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.