MANAGER / ANIMAL FACILITY

About the role

Responsible for the administration and day-to-day operation of the animal research facility in the Health Professions Building.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and experience that equates to four years.
• Three years of qualifying work experience in animal holding facilities and knowledge of their operations.
• Eligible for certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science upon hire.
• Knowledge of current public policy and federal and state regulations and standards regarding proper and humane care and use of laboratory animals.
• Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.
• Computer skills including word processing, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Establishes, monitors, and ensures proper procedures and techniques according to current state and federal guidelines for the handling and treatment of laboratory animals.
• Provides guidance for the preparation and maintenance of animal protocols and assists students and faculty in the development of their animal protocols.
• Performs or directs the feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of laboratory animals, the sterilization and maintenance of animal laboratory equipment and glassware.
• Oversees the health and welfare of the laboratory animals, contacts CMU clinical and attending veterinarians for assistance and services as necessary and provides veterinary medical care for research animals as needed.
• Supervises, schedules, trains, and assists students and faculty in their use of the laboratory and animals, prepares or oversees the preparation of animals and equipment for procedures, assists in those procedures.
• Covers operating standard operating procedures, training modules, workshops and labs.
• Affords input for and monitors budget for animal facility, recommends order and receives the purchases of animals, equipment and supplies.
• Provides input for grant and contract proposals concerning animal welfare regulations.
• Keeps abreast of federal and state animal welfare regulations, oversees federal, state, and veterinarian inspections.
• Develops and maintains computerized records on all laboratory animals, generates reports.
• Collects and prepares all medical and pathology waste for disposal.
• Designs and implements hands-on didactic training programs for animal care personnel and the research community.
• Oversees all aspects of 24/7, 365 day management, and operation of Specific Pathogen Free rodents (HP and SRL facilities).
• Provides a successful bio-security program.
• Provides and assists faculty in the maintenance of genetically engineered core rodent breeding colonies.
• Oversees an alert system for temperature and humidity variances in HP and SRL animal housing rooms.
• Develops and implements control procedures related to acquisition, maintenance, and quarantine.
• Provides technical support for, and acts as a liaison to upper management and other divisions regarding animal health concerns, provides outreach for CMU faculty and students, and maintains an excellent working relationship with CMU’s skilled trades, maintenance, stores, etc.
• Exercises supervision.