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Job Description

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Comparative Research Center

**Work Type:** Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

**Shift:** Shift 1

**Work Schedule:** 8 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 3:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

**Pay Range:** $50.15 - $72.78 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Preclinical Services provides leadership, operational oversight, and program development for preclinical research within Rush University Medical Center’s Comparative Research Center (CRC) and associated satellite facilities. Under the administrative direction of the Senior Director, this position supports faculty, investigators, and research teams in conducting high-quality, compliant, and ethically responsible animal-based studies. The Assistant Director will develop protocols, directly coordinate daily operations of the CRC, including review of animal models, experimental design, perform surgery, special husbandry requirements, and study-specific arrangements with principal investigators. This role works in partnership with veterinary professionals, regulatory offices, and institutional leadership to ensure research excellence, while also maintaining strong relationships with suppliers of animals, equipment, and services. The Assistant Director exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with institutional policies and procedures, while advancing the CRC’s preclinical research capabilities.

Other information:

Required Job Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, engineering, veterinary science, or a related discipline; OR a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in preclinical or translational research.

• Demonstrated expertise with large animal, small animal, surgical, and complex research models.

• Proven ability to manage research projects

• AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level.

• Minimum of five years of continuous experience in an AAALAC International-accredited program, including managerial responsibility for animal facility operations, personnel supervision, and billing oversight.

• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations, AAALAC accreditation standards, IACUC functions, animal protocol systems, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

• Comprehensive understanding of animal physiology, behavior, husbandry, facility equipment systems, and occupational health/personal protective practices.

• Proven leadership, staff management, and problem-solving skills in an academic, clinical, or research setting.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

• General computer literacy and ability to use electronic systems for protocol and facility management.

• Current Illinois state driver’s license required.

• Ability and willingness to serve in an on-call capacity during and outside of regular working hours within the Chicago area.

• Demonstrated flexibility to adjust work schedule as needed to support study requirements

• Surgical Research Specialist (SRS) Certification is a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials, chemicals and other hazardous conditions that may pose a potential health risk.

• Trained and is expected to observe all fire and safety procedures, blood-borne pathogen and hazard communication standards, and the Institutional animal care and use program.

• Ability to handle and restrain all species of animals used in the facility.

• Ability to work in proximity with all species of animals used in the facility.

• Ability to lift, move and/or place objects of a minimum of 50lbs. in a repeated fashion.

• No known animal allergies

**Disclaimer:** The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities:

Job **Responsibilities:**

• Direct daily operations of the preclinical program, including study scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.

• Manage and mentor technical staff providing surgical, imaging, and research support services.

• Perform surgery on both rodents and large animal species as needed under the direction of the Attending Veterinarian

• Serve as a liaison for investigators, ensuring studies are efficiently coordinated and supported.

• Assist investigators with study planning, protocol development, and model implementation.

• Hold protocols as needed

• Provide oversight and troubleshooting for complex surgical models, imaging applications, and translational procedures.

• Encourage adoption of innovative, less-invasive techniques and enhanced welfare practices that strengthen both science and compliance.

• Ensures research activities are conducted in full compliance with IACUC protocols, AAALAC standards, and federal regulations, and actively participates in accreditation and regulatory site visits

• Participate in post-approval monitoring, quality improvement initiatives, and study audits.

• Oversee accurate documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping for compliance.

• Collaborate with faculty and leadership to expand preclinical research capabilities and infrastructure.

• Identify opportunities for new services, collaborations, and external partnerships.

• Contribute to proposals, presentations, and scientific publications.

• Lead, train, and mentor technical staff to foster professional growth and high-quality service delivery.

• Develop and deliver training programs for staff and investigators in specialized techniques and best practices.

• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Perform routine facility inspections

• Provides project management and strategic support for initiatives within the CRC, advancing the mission and vision of Rush University Medical Center.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

**Position** Assistant Director Preclinical Services - Comparative Research -Full-time

**Location** US:IL:Chicago

**Req ID** 23933