at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Opening Id: 54265
Department: IACUC Office
Salary/Grade: EXS/7
Job Summary:
The Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist is primarily responsible for ensuring that the various research compliance activities within the Northwestern University (NU) animal care program adhere to Federal, State, and local regulations, AAALAC recommendation, as well as institutional policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The QA Specialist supports the IACUC Office through post-approval and for-cause auditing of complex research activities involving animals and manages minor incidents of noncompliance including developing and implementing corrective action plans under IACUC delegated authority. The QA Specialist is responsible for working with IACUC Office leadership to identify potential program improvements through data analysis of QA outcomes to ensure that the IACUC and the Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) facilities operate at optimum effectiveness and efficiency. This role also promotes the high ethical standards in the care and use of animals in research.
The IACUC Quality Assurance Specialist will support the OR mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity.
Specific Responsibilities:
Operational Management
- Lead quality assurance audits to ensure congruence with approved protocols and regulatory standards.
- Independently manage and resolve minor noncompliance incidents under IACUC delegated authority, including development and implementation of corrective action plans.
- Monitor animal use protocols for compliance with Northwestern policies and all Federal, State, and local regulations.
- Develop and maintain QA documentation and records.
- Prepare and present detailed reports summarizing audit findings, non-compliance investigations, and assessments of internal systems/process audits to assure compliance with SOPs, IACUC Policies, and applicable regulations and guidelines.
- Supports the IACUC in ensuring compliance programs meet regulatory requirements and are in compliance with often changing and complex Federal, State, and local regulations regarding the activities of the department.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of compliance programs, including, but not limited to educational materials and presentations, associated forms/policies, and internal procedures.
- Serves as subject matter expert in IACUC and CCM policies, guidelines, procedures and SOP related to animal research.
