Vivarium Operations Associate

Job Purpose This role is an experienced animal care and vivarium operations position responsible for supporting research by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, vivarium operational service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.Principally responsible for daily husbandry to animals (predominantly rodents, some small animal USDA), clinical observations, maintenance of the animal facilities (sanitation of animal rooms & equipment), receipt of incoming animals & supplies, fulfilling research requests, animal transfers and relocations.Often responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines. Maintenance of relevant facility/animal records. Make independent decisions regarding operational standards/situations.Responsible for pursing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.Driven by the needs of our scientific partner/collaborator, limited routine technical procedures on animals may also be assigned.Key Performance Indicators (Indicate how performance will be measured: indicators, activities)Provide consistent and high quality on-site animal care and vivarium maintenanceEffectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable operational skills as requiredTeam oriented and interactive. Foster peer/team development and performanceStrong attention to completion of tasks in an efficient/consistent mannerContinuously support Vivarium Operations Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory AnimalsContinuously pursue educational and professional development opportunities to enhance and expand relevant skills and knowledgeIdentify and resolve on-site vivarium operational issues/challengesExecute detail-specific operational supportShift timings: 7AM to 3 PM EST (Monday to Sunday) Days are not fixed Qualifications GED or High School degree required2-year degree in Veterinary Technology4-year Science degree, or a combination of experience with higher education preferredALAT Certification desirable or pursued after startWorking knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPsThorough understanding and comprehension of operational standards, processes, equipment, etc. as they relate to operational responsibilitiesStrong experience (2 - 4 years) working with animals or performing animal husbandry in a research setting.Strong commitment to providing quality research support, be dedicated to providing consistent, humane animal care in accordance with Laboratory Animal Care regulations/standards.Strong commitment to providing humane, consistent, and high quality daily care to research animalsStrong interpersonal skills (transparency, professionalism, communication)Strong sense of personal accountability, reliability and integrityTeam-oriented and interactive. Fosters peer/team development and performance.Organized, effective time management, detail-oriented, thorough and consistentAbility to independently identify and resolve standard vivarium operational issues/challengesSelf-starter requiring no daily oversightOpen to supporting transitional operations and schedule changesCommitted to professional development and continuous learningThorough knowledge of animal care expectations/responsibilitiesKnowledge of facility operational parameters and standardsRecognition of typical/atypical animal health and behaviorsEffective time management/prioritization for operational expectations/responsibilitiesKnowledge of Federal, state and local Animal Welfare regulations and recommendationsALAT or higher certification desirableStrong communication skills (written and verbal required, presentation desirable)Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook required, database use desirableAble to lift 50 lbs., move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged periods and perform repetitive motion tasksAble to perform standard animal care responsibilities. Benefits Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics. Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. 401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins. Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.