The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.   

ADA Forsyth, an independent not-for-profit research organization, is located in the Brick bottom District of Somerville, in a newly built life-science building. We are in close walking distance to restaurants, the Community Path, and T & bus routes for easy commuting.    

Our institute is seeking a dedicated Senior Manager of Animal Care to lead the daily operations of our animal research facility and uphold the highest standards of animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and research support. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Facility Operations

• Manage daily operations of the animal facility including supplies, equipment, and environmental monitoring. 
• Maintain adequate stocks of caging, food, bedding, enrichment, PPE, and other supplies. 
• Plan and anticipate supply needs to ensure continuity of operations during emergencies. 
• Manage equipment acquisition, maintenance, repair, and calibration. 
• Coordinate shipments of animals into and out of the facility. 
• Maintain cage inventory and prepare user invoices. 
• Maintain facility temperature, health, and operational records. 
• Oversee facility waste management including recycling, biohazard, and hazardous waste disposal. 
• Create, maintain and update facility Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
• Manage visitor access to the facility in accordance with IACUC visitor policies. 

Regulatory Compliance

• Serve on institutional oversight committees including IACUC and/or IBC as assigned. 
• Participate in enacting and improving the AFI program of animal care
• Manage and participate in internal facility inspections and external AAALAC site visits. 
• Assist with regulatory reports and documentation for oversight agencies including OLAW and AAALAC. 
• Oversee protocol compliance and participate in post-approval monitoring. 
• Ensure proper maintenance of non-surgical, surgical, anesthesia, and animal health records. 
• Manage controlled substances

Research Support and Training

• Work with research staff to develop protocols and procedures involving animals. 
• Provide initial training for new staff and maintain annual training programs. 
• Develop training materials and provide instruction on animal procedures. 
• Ensure facility and IACUC policies are followed by all research personnel. 
• Oversee/participate in research procedures as needed.

Oversee Animal Health

• Manage health records
• Communicate with Consulting Veterinarian regarding animal health issues
• Provide basic veterinary care in coordination with Consulting Veterinarian
• Manage health surveillance program 

Staff Supervision

• Supervise one to two facility staff members. 
• Manage scheduling, work assignments ( including cage change and sanitization procedures) and staff development. 
• Conduct performance management and training. 

Animal Husbandry and Facility Maintenance

• Be available to provide occasional backup animal husbandry services. 
• Respond to facility needs during weekends, holidays, or emergencies as required.

• Experience managing or supervising an animal research facility. 
• Familiarity with all aspects of a program of animal care 
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. 
• Familiarity with mechanical and facility support systems. 
• AALAS certification (LAT, LATG, or CMAR) or equivalent experience. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Availability for occasional weekend, holiday, or emergency response duties. 

PREFERRED

• Veterinary technician training or equivalent experience. 
• Experience in training research staff in working with rodents

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position involves work within an animal research facility environment and may require exposure to laboratory animals, animal allergens, cleaning agents, and disinfectants. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.