"Logistics & Specialized Services Technician - Gnotobiotics - ALAT Cert required"

Position Summary

Under supervision, assists with the receipt and transport of research animals as well as the maintenance and service of specialized animal equipment. This role also provides husbandry and health care to aquatic research animals and gnotobiotic animals.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides husbandry to animals maintained in isolators and aquatic animal species.
• Provides regular isolator maintenance which may include leak tests, cleaning, breaking down and setting up isolators and decontamination of isolators in preparation for housing germ free animals.
• Provides general system maintenance of the aquaculture systems. Troubleshoots and resolves issues. Reports failures/alarms to supervisor.
• Assists investigators with experimental procedures such as breeding and larval rearing, embryos collection, maintenance of required lines/stocks, cesarean rederivation and other services as required.
• As directed, collects diagnostic and environmental samples and administers euthanasia when needed.
• Recognizes and reports conditions of animal health and welfare that are at variance from normal for the species.
• Receives incoming animals, checking them for species, strain, sex, health status and accuracy of order. Notifies investigators about receipt of their animals according to established protocols.
• Ensures proper documentation of animal receipt and transfer in accordance with federal mandates. Supplies animal receiving and transfer information for annual reports as requested.
• Transports and delivers animals to proper animal rooms within various sites following established standard operating procedures.
• Dissembles, re-assembles and coordinates the washing and sterilization of caging and related equipment.
• Performs light carpentry work and minor equipment installations in vivarium as needed.
• Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment and/or reagents. May order supplies/equipment/reagents as authorized or ensure that needs are escalated appropriately. Receives supply orders and confirms accuracy of delivery. May assist with cost control.
• Ensures that the animal care and environmental policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.
• Recognizes and reports conditions of animal health and welfare that are at variance from normal for the species. Escalates any issues to supervisor.
• Ensures and monitors the proper maintenance of laboratory facilities, including animal holding areas, cage wash areas and associate corridors. Assesses conditions of caging equipment and makes recommendations for equipment replacement and/or repair.
• Responsible for documenting information related to job duties and weekly animal census.

Education

• High school diploma or GED

Experience

Approximately 1 year of experience in the care of laboratory animals or aquatic species

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).

Licenses and Certifications

• AALAS Certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level (or higher)

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

This position requires full mobility and the ability to regularly lift or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds; This role requires standing for extended periods of time and the ability to climb and work from ladders and platforms; This role may be exposed to dust, dirt, unpleasant odors, laboratory animals, animal excreta, and hot and humid surroundings. There is potential exposure to animal bites and scratches, needles and other sharp instruments, infectious agents, radioisotopes, toxic chemicals, and radiation; Protective equipment including uniforms, steel-toe shoes, masks, aprons, gloves and head covers are provided and required for specific activities; Work assignments may include weekends and holidays.