Animal Care Technician
23 days ago
Utica
Job DescriptionDescription: Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) is seeking a full-time Animal Care Technician to join our team. Job Summary: Reporting to the Animal Research Facility Manager (Manager), an Animal Technician will conduct routine animal facility-related tasks in both rodents and large animals. The candidate will work under minimal supervision in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/AAALAC), company guidelines, departmental procedures, and all safety procedures according to company standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Primary responsibilities include: all core processes of animal care (husbandry), health monitoring, feeding, recording daily activities, providing general facility maintenance and cleanliness, and operation of various types of facility machinery including, but not limited to, biological safety cabinets, automatic watering equipment, ventilated racks, cagewashers, autoclaves and experience with Allentown Caging is a plus. Previous vivarium experience is preferred. Essential Functions: • Familiarity with regulations/guidelines/policies to ensure that animals are provided appropriate care to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort, • Perform daily vivarium room checks, • Recognize and observe animals for clinical signs of illness/disease/distress/behavioral changes, assess environmental conditions, and report issues/deviations promptly, • Perform husbandry procedures utilizing MMRI SOPs and guidelines, • Receive animal orders and house animals appropriately, • Receive, rotate, and maintain feed, bedding, PPE, and storeroom supplies, • Process and dispose of waste according to company/regulatory guidelines, • Understand techniques and follow procedures necessary to work with rodents housed under ABSL-2 conditions, • Detect and report malfunctioning and/or defective equipment, • Maintain all logs, room records, inventory sheets, etc. for the vivarium facility, • Clean and sanitize animal rooms, walls, hallways, and other support areas, • Provide clean, sterile supplies and equipment to research staff, • Perform animal euthanasia and dispose of dead animals, • Assist in environmental monitoring and validation of equipment and sanitation methods, • Provide study support and technical services as required by research staff to include dosing, blood collection and necropsy, • Assist with the maintenance of breeding colonies and applicable records for these colonies, as needed by the research staff, • Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company's discretion. Requirements: Job Requirements and Qualifications: AA/AS/BA/BS is preferable along with AALAS certification at a minimum of ALAT is preferred. At least 1-2 years prior experience working in a laboratory animal research setting is required. (College work with animals is acceptable) HS diploma or GED with greater than 2 years’ experience working in a laboratory animal research setting and AALAS certification at the ALAT level may be substituted in lieu of educational requirements stated above. Eligibility and willingness to complete additional certification through AALAS in the future is desired. Knowledge Requirements: The successful employee must be a self-starter, dependable, accurate, mature, trust-worthy and dedicated to working with and around animals. The employee must follow instructions precisely and perform work according to prescribed SOPs. Solid written and verbal communication skills, keen attention to detail and the ability to diligently record and maintain laboratory records are crucial. Problem-solving, time-management and organizational skills are necessary. Strong teamwork, interpersonal and observational skills are required. The ability to interface in a professional manner with employees, clients, scientific researchers, and vendor personnel is essential. Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office) are preferred. Other Information (Physical requirements, on-call schedules, etc.): • The ability to lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs. is required., • The ability to work safely with chemical disinfectants, handle some unpleasant elements and tolerate normal odors/airborne particulate matter of an animal facility is required., • The ability to wear protective clothing or equipment is mandatory. · Rotating weekend and holiday coverage is required; additional weekday overtime work may be required from time to time. · Competitive benefits package provided · Establish and maintain appropriate and quality communication, teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation. Compensation & Benefit Package: We offer a competitive salary and benefit package. Salary will be paid according to NIH guideline. We offer an excellent benefit package including: · Medical insurance · Dental insurance · Vision insurance · GENEROUS paid time off · 7 paid holidays · 403(b) plan · Tuition Reimbursement · Gym Membership · And more! EOE
