Animal Specialist

About the role

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

Responsibilities

• Perform compendial animal testing of final container products, such as the Rabbit Pyrogen test, and the General Safety test, by following established procedures.
• Perform endotoxin (LAL) testing on water samples, in-process product samples, and raw materials (RM).
• Perform preparation of reagents, materials, and equipment used in biological or animal testing.
• Monitor health of animals on a daily basis.
• Maintain accurate and complete test records.
• Compile and enter data into computer database (i.e. LIMS - Laboratory Information Management Systems) to be used for reporting and trending purposes.
• Review test results against specifications.
• Share general responsibilities for laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration, housekeeping, and other lab support functions (e.g., inventory of consumables and reagents).
• Maintain sample logs on a daily basis to ensure timely testing and tracking of all samples.
• Maintain Instrument Usage and Calibration Logs based on instrument usage during the preparation and testing of samples.
• Strict adherence to procedures and practices according to FDA regulations.
• Strong emphasis on documentation according to FDA regulations.
• Adhere to departmental corporate safety policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, or closely related scientific discipline is required.
• Experience in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA regulated testing laboratory working with animals is preferred.
• Requires a basic understanding of the fundamentals of microbiology, aseptic techniques, and animal husbandry.
• Must be able to work with laboratory animals.
• Must be able to use hypodermic needles and perform injections accurately.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions on a routine basis.
• Must be proactive, results oriented, and have strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter with strong work ethic and the ability to exercise good judgment.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet targeted deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levels in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be flexible with working hours / shifts in order to accommodate the 24 hour, 7 day plant operation.
• Specific experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is preferred.
• Equivalency: Depending on the area of assignment, directly related experience or a combination of directly related education and experience and/or competencies may be considered in place of the stated requirements.

Occupational Demands

• Work is performed primarily in a laboratory/clinical environment.
• Exposure to animals, biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
• Exposed to occasional extreme cold below 32° in plasma freezer.
• Exposure to electrical office and laboratory equipment.
• Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves.
• Frequently stands while performing duties, 4-6 hours per day.
• Frequent hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Ability to make precise coordinated movements of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects.
• Occasionally reaches above and below shoulder height.
• Occasionally walks.
• Occasionally bends and twists neck and waist.
• Frequent foot movements.
• Hearing acuity essential.
• Color perception/discrimination, near vision and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/30 and to 20/100 in the other eye.
• Moderate to heavy lifting with a maximum lift of 50 lbs.
• Able to communicate complex information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken and written words and sentences.

Pay

The estimated pay scale for Animal Specialist role based in California, is $28.43–$30.00 per hour. Additionally, the position is eligible to participate in up to 5% of the company bonus pool.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance
• PTO and paid holidays
• Up to 5% 401(k) match
• Tuition reimbursement