Post-Approval Review Coordinator

Department: Animal Care Services
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
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General Purpose

The University of Guelph has one of Canada’s largest and most versatile animal care and use programs in Canada with a broad range of species, including laboratory rodents, farm animals, fish and wildlife. The Animal Care Service (ACS) unit ensures that ethical and legal responsibilities towards the animals are met through adherence to the University of Guelph Animal Care Policy and Procedures, the provincial Animals for Research Act and the national guidelines and policies of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). The chief role of ACS is to administer and support the animal care and use program at the University of Guelph. There are several administrative supports to the Animal Care Committee (ACC) including facilitating the review process for all Animal Utilization Protocols (AUPs), administering facility site visits and the Post-Approval Review (PAR) program. The Animal User Training Program ensures all personnel interacting with animals are well trained and qualified while the ACS Veterinarians support animal health and welfare. Animal Care Services as a team educates our animal use community about regulatory requirements, compliance, and oversight with the goal of facilitating research and educational activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Post-Approval Review Program is the CCAC mandated quality insurance mechanism to ensure animal use in research and educational activities described in an AUP are undertaken in practice as approved in principle by the Animal Care Committee. The PAR Coordinator, reporting to the ACS Veterinarian (Post-Approval Review) and Associate Director, conducts review visits with the protocol personnel which may include faculty, research associates, students, and facility personnel, to ensure that animal care and use conform to the approved protocols. Review visits occur across all University of Guelph facilities, campuses and private sites where research or educational activities by faculty occur and thus this position requires some travel. A document is presented to the ACC illustrating the implementation of AUP procedures, outlining modifications necessary to achieve compliance and highlighting success.  The ACC is the ultimate authority on how deviations from approved protocols are resolved and guides the action of the PAR coordinator.

The incumbent interacts with and informs a wide range of faculty, university administrators, staff and students regarding compliance with national, provincial and university policies and guidelines. The PAR Coordinator is required to recognize potential issues in many diverse areas relating to animal care and use, including animal housing conditions, surgical techniques, biosecurity concerns and occupational hazards. The PAR Coordinator role requires a thorough familiarity of our breadth of AUPs, a sound knowledge of CCAC policies and guidelines, the provincial legislation and institutional policies. 

The role requires a tremendous amount of communication which may include conversations on difficult topics where goals and outcomes differ between parties. The PAR coordinator must demonstrate exceptional tact and interpersonal skills to foster positive, collaborative relationships with research teams that guides compliance with federal regulations and ethical standards for animal care. 

Requirements

Minimum requirements of the position are a Bachelor’s degree in the Life Sciences, Veterinary Technician credentials, and at least two years 2 years hands-on experience in an animal research setting. RLAT certification is an asset. Skills should be transferable to a broad range of animal species (laboratory, agricultural, companion, wildlife, fish) in the areas of animal handling, care, husbandry, disease recognition, pain and distress, research procedures, surgical and anesthetic concepts, record keeping, and emergency procedures. Due to the locations required to access, a driver’s license is required. Other skills include: Critical thinking, good judgement and analytical skills; strong time management and organizational skills; excellent written and communication skills; ability to work as part of a team and independently; and strong computer skills including data management, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader. 

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10566011 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 7  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 03/25/2026  
Closing Date: 04/08/2026