AgriLife Research Compliance Coordinator/Department of ANSC Compliance Professional

The AgriLife Research Compliance Coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife is primarily responsible for ensuring adherence to all regulatory standards related to research, teaching, and testing activities involving animals. This involves conducting protocol reviews, advising faculty and staff, maintaining accurate records, developing compliance training, and supporting the IACUC's efforts. Strong organizational and communication skills are central to this role.

To qualify for the AgriLife Research Compliance Coordinator position at Texas A&M AgriLife, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additionally, three years of experience in compliance programs, familiarity with databases and spreadsheet software, and a thorough understanding of federal regulations pertaining to animal research are essential for success in this role.

A typical day for an AgriLife Research Compliance Coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife involves a blend of activities, including conducting preliminary IACUC protocol reviews, providing compliance guidance, meeting with faculty to discuss research proposals, and maintaining compliance documents. The role requires continuous communication with various stakeholders to ensure all protocols adhere to ethical and regulatory standards.

The AgriLife Research Compliance Coordinator plays a vital role in developing, establishing, and maintaining an effective compliance program at Texas A&M AgriLife. By identifying compliance vulnerabilities, creating training materials, and ensuring that documentation is accurate and up-to-date, the coordinator helps foster a culture of compliance within the department, ultimately ensuring regulatory standards are met.

As an AgriLife Research Compliance Coordinator at Texas A&M AgriLife, there are numerous growth opportunities available. With access to extensive resources and training programs, you can enhance your compliance knowledge and expertise. There may also be potential for career advancement into supervisory or project management roles within the research community, alongside involvement in high-profile research initiatives.

In answering this question, focus on any specific roles or projects you have engaged in that relate to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Highlight your familiarity with compliance protocols and how you've ensured that research practices adhere to ethical standards in animal use.

Highlight the importance of transparent communication and regular check-ins among team members. Describe specific strategies, such as using collaborative tools, setting clear deadlines, and offering continual feedback to ensure everyone is aligned with compliance standards.

Discuss your methods for multi-tasking and organization, such as utilizing project management software or maintaining checklists that help you prioritize tasks according to deadlines and importance. Providing examples from past experiences can strengthen your answer.

Select a specific challenge from your experience and explain the steps you took to address it. Emphasize problem-solving skills, collaboration with team members, and consideration of regulatory requirements in your resolution process.

Describe your experience in audit preparation, ensuring that all necessary documents are organized, current, and readily available. Emphasize your proactive approach to identifying potential compliance issues and remedial actions taken to mitigate risks.

Discuss your commitment to professional development, such as attending workshops, participating in webinars, and networking with other compliance professionals. Mention any specific resources or associations you rely on for the latest updates in compliance regulations.

Training is essential in compliance as it equips staff with the knowledge to adhere to regulations. Highlight your experience in developing or delivering training sessions and how you evaluate their effectiveness through feedback or assessments.

Discuss your approach to addressing non-compliance, emphasizing the importance of a constructive response. Detail how you would assess the situation, communicate with those involved, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Talk about your experiences in collecting data on compliance metrics, conducting internal reviews, and soliciting feedback from stakeholders to gauge the success of compliance initiatives, along with making necessary adjustments based on those evaluations.

Reinforce your understanding that ethics form the foundation of compliance, particularly in research involving animals. Discuss the significance of upholding ethical standards and how they protect the integrity of research and welfare of the animals involved.