The University of Pennsylvania Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) is the administrative arm of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). As such, the OAW works with the IACUC to assure safety, maintenance, care and use of vertebrate animals for research purposes and to comply with federal, state, and local laws. The externship will provide an understanding of the various processes necessary for proper IACUC assessment and oversight of any activities conducted that have a direct impact on the well-being of animals. These include, but are not limited to, animal husbandry and veterinary care, University policies and procedures, personnel and program management and oversight, occupational health and safety, and IACUC functions.
The University of Pennsylvania Office of Animal Welfare consists of 10 staff members, including 4 veterinarians, 3 of which are board-certified in laboratory animal medicine (ACLAM).
The extern will work during normal business hours of 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with a 1 hour lunch break. S/he will shadow OAW compliance liaisons (of which there are 3 trained) during routine post-approval monitoring visits, attend various IACUC meetings, learn about the IACUC protocol submission and review process, and gain an understanding of USDA regulations, PHS Policy/OLAW requirements, as well as AAALAC expectations. S/he will also appreciate the OAW's customer service approach to work efficiently and collaboratively with faculty and their staff.