Lab Animal Research Specialist

About the role

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is seeking a Lab Animal Research Specialist to join the Animal Research Technical Support (ARTS) team. This position works in a fast-paced environment supporting multiple basic and translational cancer research projects.

Key Roles/Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior technical staff on conducting parts of or entire in vivo portions of studies from start to finish.
• Organize experiments, perform injections, record and create detailed study reports, and updates for the investigators.
• Coordinate and communicate study details and scheduling with other core facilities, team members, and management.
• Perform rodent colony management and maintenance of real-time animal colony database (TOPAZ).
• Follow breeding strategies based on genotyping results.
• Independently carry out parts of or complete experimental studies under the guidance of senior staff.
• Administer experimental compounds and chemical carcinogens.
• Perform injections via various routes including s.c., i.p., i.v., and oral gavage.
• Maintain precise, accurate records utilizing different software platforms.
• Monitor phenotypes and treatment responses.
• Perform detailed necropsy procedures to collect blood and tissues.
• Collect and record tumor measurements and body weights utilizing electronic instruments and databases.
• Work with potentially hazardous radiological, chemical, and biological materials.

Basic Qualifications

• Any combination of education and progressively responsible technical experience which qualifies the candidate to sit for the LATG Certification exam within 12 months of hire or bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Veterinary Technology.
• Experience in management of genetically engineered mouse models.
• Proficiency in performing rodent related techniques such as injections via various routes, blood and tissue collection.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate with management in a demanding scientific environment.
• Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures.
• Experience in performing experimental procedures including injections and compound administration.
• Experience working with various tumor models.
• Ability to maintain precise, accurate records utilizing different software platforms.
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and ACUC guidelines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and to wear respiratory protection equipment if necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cancer treatment or vaccine studies in rodents.
• Experience preparing medicated water and chemicals.
• LAT certification and ability to pass LATG exam within 12 months of hire.
• Excellent time management and organization skills; ability to multi-task and work under time constraints.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

Program Description

The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.