Animal Research Technician II

We have a wonderful opportunity at Bloodworks. We are hiring for an Animal Research Technician II. The primary purpose of this position is to provide the appropriate environment to support outstanding biomedical research.  Under the supervision of the Manager of Regulatory and Animal Care Programs, the Animal Research Technician II provides leadership for the ART I position.  ART staff perform animal husbandry, facility sanitation, and custodial duties and help maintain equipment and machinery. In addition to Animal Care Duties, this position is responsible for ensuring that the Vivarium facility and equipment are operational and well-maintained.    Principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to:   Animal Welfare Regulations & Records Management   Follow all regulations set by animal welfare governing bodies.  Assist the Manager of Regulatory and Animal Care Programs with regulatory reports, as required.  Work closely with the Manager of Regulatory and Animal Care Programs to ensure accurate and timely data entry into all Vivarium databases. Assist the Manager of Regulatory and Animal Care Programs with writing Vivarium Methods and SOPs. Assist the Manager of Regulatory and Animal Care Programs with updating processes, procedures, and documentation. May attend monthly IACUC meetings.  Hands-On Animal Use Procedures In addition to the procedures noted below for animal care, this position may train for hands-on animal procedures in support of research projects. Animal Care & Facilities Maintenance Animal Care.  Follow all vivarium methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to cage washing, animal husbandry, and general lab maintenance activities. Provide hands-on support and coordination for all activities related to the Animal Health Programs and Environmental Monitoring.  This includes schedules, documentation, reports, controlled substance monitoring, and other regulatory compliance. Ensure all Methods are followed as outlined in the Vivarium Methods and Procedures Manual. Order animal supplies as required.  Vivarium Facilities and Equipment Management and Maintenance.  Provide hands-on support and coordination for all activities related to Vivarium facilities cleaning, equipment monitoring and maintenance, space allocation, physical plant inspections, supply monitoring, and stocking. Continually evaluate and improve general operating procedures for workflow activities. Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance testing of the automatic reverse osmosis-chlorinated animal watering system. Monitor and manage functionality of the electronic Edstrom “Pulse” control system that controls the automatic watering schedule.  Respond to monitoring system alarms and troubleshoot repairs. Monitor and ensure the functionality of the vivarium surveillance system. Troubleshoot and relay information to the Bloodworks Facility Team, outside vendors, and contractors when systems are not functioning properly.  Schedule maintenance and repairs and make recommendations for equipment replacement. Make recommendations on equipment purchases Trainer and Subject Matter Expert in the following areas:   Train and also serve as the subject matter expert for Bloodworks and External Client staff on Vivarium Methods & SOPs and document in compliance with state, federal, and industrial regulations. Responsible for training new staff on Vivarium databases and programs. May provide training in the following areas: cage changing, daily room checks, and equipment cleaning.  facilities cleaning, maintenance, and animal health monitoring. daily monitoring for sick or abnormal animals. General Comply with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations including those governing research studies, grants, and laboratory practices.  Ensure the actions of all those operating within the Animal Husbandry, Scientific Personnel & Facilities Maintenance group comply with established Methods. Recommend to the Manager of Regulatory and Animal Care Programs, changes in workload based on resources and need.  Perform other duties as assigned.   REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Experience working with research mice.   Knowledge of husbandry, behavior, and phenotypes of mice, basic genetic and biological sciences knowledge. Ability to perform technical manipulations such as ear tagging, injections, blood collection breeding functions (weaning, sexing, etc.), and tissue collections as an hourly fee for service to science groups preferred. Demonstrated ability to follow scientific protocols and procedures. Excellent written and verbal skills. Ability to participate and excel in a team environment. Ability to provide excellent customer service to vivarium users. Advanced knowledge of MS Office: Word, Excel, and Outlook.  AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician certification preferred. Associate or higher level degree in animal-related work preferred.   Specific job skills include, but are not limited to:    Required proficiency with various database navigation, Excel, and Word.              Required mental activities involve continuous use of discretion, interpersonal skills, teamwork, problem analysis, customer service, the ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English, and to perform basic Math.  Required mental activities used less frequently include decision-making, creativity, negotiation, training/supervising, performing advanced math and independent judgment and/or independent action, (all used frequently); and presentations/teaching, mentoring, and the performance of basic programming (all used occasionally). The ability to push, pull and an average of 200 pounds and lift an average of 25 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 10-25 pounds throughout the day.  Occasional heavy lifting required up to 60 lbs. Ability to comply with Bloodworks’ Mandatory Vaccinations policy   WORKING CONDITIONS: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a health assessment provided by a contracted employee health company.  These health assessments will be repeated periodically during work assignments. The position is exposed to aerosol dander from mice. This position has direct exposure to blood-borne pathogens, requires work with human and animal blood and tissue samples, and may be required to work with and take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially infectious agents.  Specific precautions may include wearing respirators and/or protective clothing.  Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety and security policies and procedures, and staying current on all required training. Incumbents are at risk of injuries, bites, or scratches from vivarium animals. Proper protective clothing or other protective devices are provided. Job conditions to be expected include working a schedule that includes weekends and holidays. This job will require occasional overtime and on-call status.  This may include minor travel.  Requires the ability to participate in a 24/7 vivarium emergency response team capacity. Required physical activities include continuous standing and walking, reaching, feeling, hearing handling, and repetitive motions of hands/wrists.  Required physical activities used frequently include walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, talking (all used frequently); and sitting and crawling (all used rarely). This position requires the administration of controlled substances for animal anesthesia and analgesia.  This work may be emotionally stressful.   Benefits and Perks: Employees regularly scheduled for 24 hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also, able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 401b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized back-up childcare program, subsidized transit program, educational reimbursement.  Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus* *Conditions apply