Compliance Specialist, IACUC

The Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA) at Cornell University seeks an experienced research professional to join our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) team. Well-qualified candidates will have a background in life sciences, hands-on research experience involving live vertebrate animals, and strong organizational and communication skills. Ideal candidates will enjoy serving as a trusted advisor, helping researchers accomplish their objectives responsibly and in compliance with animal welfare standards. This is a unique opportunity for someone with a strong science background looking to explore new career paths, even if they never considered a career in compliance and ethics before.

The Opportunity

As an IACUC Compliance Specialist, you will provide support to the Committee and the Cornell research community through expert guidance relating to research protocols to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act and other regulatory requirements. You will perform independent assessments of IACUC protocols and amendments and assist committee members in the review and approval process. You also will serve as a subject matter expert for faculty and other researchers, assisting in interpretation of IACUC requirements and preparation of animal use protocols.

With access to sensitive information, you will be expected to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and consistently meet strict deadlines.

Other responsibilities will include:

• Developing and presenting IACUC training sessions and other resources and tools for faculty, students, committee members, and staff
• Managing IACUC meetings, including facilitation of agenda and material preparation, preparing meeting minutes, and following up on action items
• Coordinating with the Office for Sponsored Programs on protocols that have associated external funding and performing comparisons of grant applications and approved protocols
• Troubleshooting and resolving issues within the protocol management system, and contributing to the testing, training and implementation of new research administration software
• Participating in development and implementation of policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure continued compliance
• Benchmarking best practices and providing recommendations for new policies or programs
• Assisting with the development and review of internal and external reports related to the IACUC
• Engaging with the Cornell Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE), Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), and animal facility staff to answer questions related to animal care and use issues and policies
• Contributing to gap analyses relating to compliance

As part of the Cornell community, you will help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. Your letter is an important component of your application. Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in a life science (for example, biology, biomedical engineering, animal science, or veterinary technology), and 3-5 years of relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Knowledge of research involving live vertebrate animals and experience working directly with faculty or researchers conducting, managing or reviewing research proposals
• Demonstrated customer service orientation
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers and office applications, especially Microsoft Word and Excel
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines consistently
• Ability to work independently and maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions on some projects without additional oversight
• Excellent attention to detail and superior written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Additionally, the following would be helpful:

• Advanced degree in life sciences or related field
• Experience conducting research or working within a research-focused setting
• Experience performing quality assurance reviews, especially of research projects
• Experience developing or reviewing policies and procedures
• Previous experience working in an IACUC or quality assurance office, including working with protocol management systems

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University. It is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the expectation of weekly work on campus. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

University Job Title:
Compliance Associate III

Job Family:
Administration

Level:
F

Pay Rate Type:
Salary

Pay Range:
$78,812.00 - $91,592.00

Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid

Company:
Endowed

Contact Name:
Kathy McKee

Contact Email:


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• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

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2026-10-28