Animal Facility Manager

Posting Details

Posting Number: S

Position Title:

Animal Facility Manager
Position Type:
Staff

Location:

Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule:

full-time / 12-months
Department: 902 - AVP Research Administration

The Animal Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing all operational activities and facility personnel associated with Villanova’s animal facilities and managing day‑to‑day operations of the facilities. This role includes hiring and supervising animal care workers, managing animal husbandry, training staff and students on facility procedures, and working collaboratively with faculty investigators and the IACUC to facilitate research in accordance with approved protocols and regulatory standards.

The position plays a crucial role in maintaining the welfare of animals used in research, as well as supporting researchers with their facility needs.

• Join a mission‑driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is an indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

• Animal Care Facility Operations Management: Directs all operations associated with the housing, handling, health, and care procedures involving live vertebrate animals in Villanova University animal facilities. Develops and implements schedules for equipment maintenance, cage changing, and sanitizing without undue disruption to experimental schedules. Maintains facility infrastructure and equipment, initiates requests to University Facilities Management Office or outside vendors, orders feed, bedding, and supplies, and maintains inventories.
• Supervision of Animal Care Staff: Hires and supervises part‑time/student animal care workers. Manages personnel schedules ensuring coverage for daily animal observations, including holidays, planned closures, emergency after‑hours, and unexpected closures.
• Animal Care, Health Monitoring, and Regulatory Recordkeeping: Ensures daily care procedures and routine health checks for all animals, alerts Veterinarian and principal investigator of any illness or injury, maintains records in compliance with IACUC and external regulations, and assists with training in animal care, handling, and housing.
• Researcher Engagement and Regulatory Compliance Coordination: Actively engages and consults with faculty researchers, including the Psychological & Brain Sciences Vivarium committee, to maintain open communication on evolving animal care needs. Works with the IACUC and the Office of Research Protections to ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
• Development and Enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures: Develops SOPs for use of the facilities and enforces policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Emergency Planning and Response Preparedness: Develops emergency plans and strategies in consultation with Environmental Health and Safety, Public Safety, Facilities Management, researchers, and the IACUC.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Formal
  
  Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Psychological Science, or related field; candidates without a degree may qualify with at least 6 years of directly related experience.
• Preferred
  
  Certifications:
  
  AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG), and/or Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR).
• Minimum
  
  Work Experience:
  
  3 years in a laboratory animal facility (rodents, fish, birds, reptiles) and technical facility operations; 1 year of leadership, management or supervisory experience; knowledge of…