Animal Care Technician II

Are you looking for a job working with research animals in a Gnotobiotic Facility? We offer a rewarding career with a flexible work environment. Animal Care staff provide routine and specialized animal husbandry and facility maintenance. If you are passionate about animals, supportive of biomedical research, and want to learn how you can play a critical role within BRMS, we invite you to apply for this position.

The animal program involves all aspects of animal use for research, teaching, and outreach. BRMS is seeking an Animal Care Technician to join their Gnotobiotic Shared Resources team. This position will perform routine and specialized animal husbandry tasks and general facility maintenance for the Gnotobiotic Shared Resources team in the Biotechnology Center vivarium within Biomedical Research Model Services (BRMS).

Responsibilities

• Observe animal behavior, perform basic animal care, and report concerns to contribute to the health and well-being of animals and promote research.
• Setup and take down of flexible-film isolators.
• Collect samples from animals and administer medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures for diagnostic tests and research.
• Inventory, clean, and maintain organization of animal holding spaces and supplies.
• Prepare food and formulas and feed animals according to established schedules and specifications.
• Inspect and report equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation.
• Perform gnotobiotic-specific tasks.
• Maintain organization of and update records related to research procedures.
• Interact with researchers and veterinary staff as required.

About the Department

Biomedical Research Model Services (BRMS) assists researchers in making significant discoveries in biological and medical science while ensuring the health and well-being of all animals in our care. Our goal is to maintain facilities and provide services and care that exceed the standards of regulatory and funding agencies. We strive to create a safe and welcoming workplace.

The Gnotobiotic Shared Resource within BRMS provides specialized husbandry services and technical expertise to PIs working with the germ-free mouse model. Our team of dedicated technicians performs all aspects of germ-free animal care, from isolator set up and routine animal care to monthly microbial monitoring that ensures the sterility of our colonies.

Pay

The starting hourly wage for the position is $21.00 per hour; negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Competitive insurances and savings accounts.
• Retirement benefits.
• Extra hourly differential pay for weekend hours worked.
• Additional hourly pay for each level of AALAS certification.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Occasional weekend and holiday work required.

Requirements

• Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, squat, twist, and push carts, bedding, feed bags, and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Proficient computer skills such as emailing, using the internet, and completing online forms.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with a team.
• Good communication and organization skills.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma (preferred).

Preferred

• At least 6 months of animal care experience with small and/or large animals.
• Experience working in a research setting.
• Experience working with gnotobiotic flexible-film isolators.
• Experience with aseptic laboratory practices.
• Knowledge of acceptable animal husbandry procedures.
• Familiarity with the University requirement concerning Responsible Use and Care of Animals in Research and Training and the Guide to the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
• Knowledge of animal health records maintenance and ability to perform animal health checks.
• AALAS Certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG).