Job Description Summary

The Vivarium Operation Manager is a key leadership position responsible for the overall management, strategic planning, and daily operation of the animal vivarium. Tasked with ensuring the highest standards in animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, the Vivarium Operation Manager serves as the linchpin connecting researchers, veterinary staff, animal care technicians, and administrative teams. This role is critical to the success of biomedical research, pharmacological studies, toxicology, and other scientific investigations that rely on the ethical and humane use of laboratory animals.

This position will be located at Cambridge, MA and will not have the ability to be located remote
#LI-Onsite

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Facility Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the vivarium, including cleanliness, maintenance of physical infrastructure, and the scheduling of repairs and upgrades. Ensure that all environments are optimized for animal health, staff safety, and research quality.

Animal Welfare and Care:

• Develop, implement, and monitor protocols for the humane care and use of laboratory animals in compliance with institutional, national, and international guidelines (e.g., AAALAC, IACUC,). Collaborate with veterinary staff to ensure that all animals receive proper nutrition, housing, enrichment, and medical care.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory standards and ensure facility compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Prepare for and participate in facility inspections and audits by regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies.

Personnel Management and Training:

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of animal care technicians, supervisors, and support staff. Foster professional development through continuing education and create a culture of teamwork, accountability, and respect. Mentors and inspires others to solve problems independently.

Budgeting and Resource Allocation:

• Develop and manage the vivarium’s annual operating budget, including forecasting expenditures, justifying resource needs, and monitoring spending. Oversee inventory of supplies, equipment, and animals to ensure uninterrupted research operations.

Health and Safety:

• Implement and promote comprehensive health and safety programs for staff, including training on biosafety, occupational hazards, ergonomic and emergency preparedness. Investigate incidents and enforce corrective action as necessary.

Collaboration with Researchers:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for investigators utilizing the vivarium. Assist with study design, protocol development, and project coordination to ensure that all research activities are conducted to the highest standards.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Oversee accurate and timely documentation of animal health, facility operations, staff training, regulatory compliance, and research projects. Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies and institutional leadership.

Strategic Planning and Innovation:

• Lead efforts to identify and implement new technologies, equipment, and best practices to improve vivarium operations, animal welfare, and research outcomes.

Crisis Management:

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for events such as power outages, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or security threats. Conduct regular drills and ensure staff readiness.

Role Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, veterinary technology, laboratory management, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of six years’ experience working in animal research facilities, with at least two years in a supervisory or management role.
• Certification: Certification by AALAS (e.g., Laboratory Animal Technician, Laboratory Animal Technologist, or Certified Manager of Animal Resources) is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of laboratory animal husbandry, facility design, research protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated success in leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with scientists, veterinarians, regulatory agencies, and institutional administrators.
• Computer Proficiency: Familiarity with facility management software, electronic record-keeping systems, and standard office applications.

The role is primarily based within laboratory animal facilities, which may include exposure to biological hazards, allergens, and animal-related substances.

Some lifting and physical activity may be required, along with the use of personal protective equipment.

Participation in on-call rotations for after-hours or weekend coverage are necessary depending on institutional needs.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

 

Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

 

Skills Desired

Analytical Skill, Analytical Skill, Analytical Thinking, Anesthesia, Animal Models, Animal Testing, Animal Welfare, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Data, Data Analysis, Design Of Experiments, Detail-Oriented, Employee Welfare, Ethics, Humility, Line Of Business, Management, Motivating Employees, Organization, Patient Care, Pharmacology, Problem Solving Skills, Project Teams, Regulatory Compliance {+ 8 more}