Research Animal Coordinator

Department: Campus Animal Facilities
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

Reporting to the Campus Animal Facilities Manager, the Research Animal Coordinator has complete responsibility for the acquisition of live animals from commercial suppliers for teaching and research purposes for various University departments and external clients. With thousands of mice and rat models available for research, the incumbent liaises withe faculty to understand their research goals, coordinates and negotiates with both commercial suppliers and academic institutions to acquire the best model.

Duties and Responsibilitites

The incumbent will manage the import and export of live animals according to safe shipping practices within Canada, United States, and internationally. The ideal candidate will possess highly developed computer skills which will allow them to provide leadership and training to the technicians and faculty accessing the Animal Facility Management web-based tool, Mosaic. The incumbent should have knowledge of the various rodent pathogens and be capable of determining which organisms might be acceptable to both the research team and the facility management.

Other duties of the Research Animal Coordinator include:

• Ensuring that the animals’ health status is acceptable from a bio-security standpoint before the animals are acquired from commercial suppliers or received from an exporting institution
• Coordinating with the technical team to arrange for the shipment and payment of biological sample testing
• Controlling access to the facility via the electronic card access and provide internal keys for upwards of 400 users, ensuring that access is granted only to authorized personnel
• Liaising with suppliers, initiating purchase documents, monitoring shipments and reconciling errors as well as payments for goods and services, in accordance with the University’s purchasing polices
• Monitoring procurement card purchases for Campus Animal Facilities staff to ensure conformance with facility needs and University policies
• Participating in budgetary discussions and provide input into expense trends
• Providing back up support to the Financial and HR Administrator as needed in duties such as processing time sheets and expense claims

Requirements

• One (1) year diploma in Business Administration, Purchasing or similar field (undergraduate degree preferred) and up to two (2) years of previous relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Preference for Registered Veterinary Technicians and/or Registered Laboratory Animal Technicians. 
• In-depth knowledge of the guidelines and legislation relevant to working with laboratory animals
• Understanding of research methodologies and emerging technologies
• Knowledge of safe shipping of live animals and customs clearance would be considered an asset
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and strong computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to think analytically and creatively
• Client focused, have initiative, and able to work independently and in a team

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10906688 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5  
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: 08/05/2025  
Closing Date: 08/12/2025