Organization:

The Animal Health Institute is a trade association representing manufacturers of animal medicines, including pharmaceuticals, animal pesticides, and animal biologicals for both pets and food producing animals. AHI works to promote the availability of veterinary medicines to maintain the health and welfare of animals and represents the interests of its members in the legislative, regulatory, and public arenas. AHI works closely with veterinary, commodity and producer associations whose members use products and services of our member companies.

Position Description:

The Director, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs will be an active member of the regulatory department and will be responsible for providing scientific and regulatory analysis to assist in advocacy efforts, stakeholder engagement and communication efforts. The Director will work across AHI teams and support the communications and legislative activities of the association, which can include informing the writing of content for social media platforms, making public presentations, testifying before state or federal legislative bodies.

The Director, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs will serve as the primary AHI staff liaison to the Veterinary Biologicals Section (VBS), which is comprised of regulatory personnel from member companies engaged with USDA in the review and approval of veterinary biologic products. This staff person is responsible for

• Coordinating the scientific and regulatory issues relative to veterinary vaccines, serums, and diagnostic agents for food and companion animals regulated under the Virus-Serum-Toxins Act.
• Working to drive consensus among member companies on policy questions related to biologics and implement those consensus decisions.
• Providing technical guidance to members in seeking to resolve issues and frequently represents industry positions before regulatory agencies.
• Scheduling meetings, conference calls, workshops, and other activities associated with section activities in cooperation with committee and working group chairpersons.
• Preparing of meeting minutes, reports, position statements, letters, and other documents.

The Director will also be the primary staff liaison for the industry workgroup that interacts with EPA on the regulation of flea and tick products. The director will work with and guide the industry group in interacting with EPA and driving policy to enhance the product approval process.

AHI has a small staff where everyone must work together to meet members expectation of high quality and effective representation. Therefore, the responsibilities of this position will adjust from time to time based on member needs and the interests and abilities of the successful candidate.

Job Location:

The position is located in central Washington, DC at 1325 G Street, Washington DC 20005, Suite 700. The location is accessible by Metro Rail and monthly and daily fee parking is available on site. AHI staff have worked from home since March 2020 due to the pandemic. A return to the office, at least part-time, is anticipated in 2022.

Education and Experience:

• DVM or PhD preferred, or equivalent qualification acquired through formal training or through demonstrated work experience
• Experience in agriculture, animal science or animal health industries

Skills and Requirements:

• Ability to translate scientific research and publications into digestible information and determine strategic application of distilled information.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret government regulations and guidance documents
• Background in and understanding of laws and regulations governing animal health products, particularly biologics and pesticides
• Concise and effective writing and oral communication skills and the ability to represent the industry in various public settings.
• Ability to work with groups and guide them in seeking resolutions and consensus
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization.
• Independent worker with strong time management and organizational skills required
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Strong professional image with the ability to manage stress and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment where priorities and direction may change frequently

Travel:

Ability to travel < 20% primarily in the U.S with occasional opportunities for international travel. The most frequent travel will be to Ames, Iowa for attendance at VBS Section meetings and other USDA meetings held about three times a year.

Reporting:

The director reports to the Vice President for Regulatory and International Affairs.

To apply: Please email your CV/resume in PDF format to positions@ahi.org. 

Education and Experience:

• DVM or PhD preferred, or equivalent qualification acquired through formal training or through demonstrated work experience
• Experience in agriculture, animal science or animal health industries

Skills and Requirements:

• Ability to translate scientific research and publications into digestible information and determine strategic application of distilled information.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret government regulations and guidance documents
• Background in and understanding of laws and regulations governing animal health products, particularly biologics and pesticides
• Concise and effective writing and oral communication skills and the ability to represent the industry in various public settings.
• Ability to work with groups and guide them in seeking resolutions and consensus
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization.
• Independent worker with strong time management and organizational skills required
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Strong professional image with the ability to manage stress and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment where priorities and direction may change frequently