Position Summary

Position Summary

The Research Liaison II supports the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) by providing institutional oversight of animal research and teaching activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional standards, including the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The role includes serving as a voting member of the IACUC, conducting protocol reviews, coordinating and participating in semiannual facility inspections, and performing post-approval monitoring to verify alignment with approved animal use protocols. The position supports investigators through compliance guidance and regulatory interpretation, collaborates closely with veterinary, animal care, and farm staff, and manages components of the animal transportation program. Through routine monitoring, documentation, and communication, the role contributes to the ongoing oversight and integrity of the institutional animal care and use program.

Position Details

• Serve as a voting member of the IACUC and review animal use protocols, amendments, and standard operating procedures.
• Conduct post-approval monitoring to assess whether animal research activities are consistent with IACUC-approved protocols.
• Coordinate, organize, and participate in required semiannual inspections of animal housing, laboratories, and animal use areas.
• Plan inspections in collaboration with investigators, IACUC members, veterinary staff, and animal care personnel to ensure timely completion.
• Document monitoring and inspection findings, identify potential deficiencies or concerns, and support appropriate follow-up and corrective actions.
• Prepare reports and summaries for IACUC review, including inspection outcomes, trends, and compliance considerations.
• Provide regulatory guidance, education, and compliance support to investigators and research staff.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff, animal care personnel, and facility supervisors to support communication and program oversight.
• Support oversight of animal transportation activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory requirements, best practices, and emerging issues related to animal care and use.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completion of a four-year degree program in a scientific field, preferably biological, animal, or clinical sciences; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible and expansive work experience using and handling live animals in a research laboratory, agriculture setting, quality assurance or regulatory compliance; knowledge of veterinary medical practices such as anesthesia, aseptic technique, and drug administration as well as recognition of normal animal behavior and appropriate handling of laboratory, large, and/or agriculture animals; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative, professional relationships with faculty, research staff, and stakeholders in support of compliant research practices, with strong organizational, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and observational skills, including the ability to identify animal welfare or compliance concerns by observing animal activities and facilities, assessing alignment with approved protocols, providing practical guidance, and accurately documenting findings in written reports.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including the ability to convey regulatory expectations, summarize observations, and prepare clear, well-organized correspondence and reports.
• Demonstrated adaptability, sound judgment, and a calm, professional demeanor when navigating dynamic or sensitive situations and evolving regulatory and institutional requirements.
• Experience or familiarity with laboratory or research environments with exposure to laboratory safety, biosafety, or environmental health and safety practices is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, scheduling and virtual meeting tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom), and electronic animal protocol management systems, with a strong working knowledge of federal regulations and guidance governing animal research, including the Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Ag Guide.
• Valid driver’s license required; certification as a Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA) is preferred but not required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Bidding eligibility ends June 2, 2026, 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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