Animal Care Provider

I R C M•Montreal, QC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is a world-class biomedical research center dedicated to advancing health through science. The Animal Care Provider plays a crucial role in the daily care of laboratory animals, ensuring a clean, safe, and compliant environment within the Animal Facility and Animal Health department. This position involves close collaboration with the Animal Health Provider and Facilities Coordinator to support animal welfare, maintain facility standards, and adhere to research protocols. It is ideal for a meticulous individual who thrives in a hands-on role, is comfortable with physical and repetitive tasks, and is committed to contributing to a biomedical research environment.

Requirements

A Certificate of Vocational Studies (AEP) in Animal Care, or equivalent training or experience.
Relevant experience in animal care (research animal facility, veterinary clinic, or related setting).
Knowledge of hygiene, biosafety, and occupational health and safety regulations.
Ability to perform physical work, including prolonged standing, handling heavy cages and carts, and repetitive tasks in a noisy and controlled environment.
Fluency in spoken and written French.
Working knowledge of English (an asset).

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of safe handling techniques for rodents and other laboratory animals.
Ability to observe and quickly detect abnormal clinical or behavioral signs.
Diligence in following SOPs and experimental protocols, as well as in maintaining records.
Organizational skills, attention to detail (cage condition, enrichment, food, water), and strict adherence to animal welfare standards.
Punctuality, reliability, a strong sense of professional ethics, and the ability to follow precise instructions.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team, remaining calm and flexible in the face of unforeseen events and changes in priorities or protocols.

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, monitoring appearance and behavior, enrichment, and general cage condition.
Perform cage changes and facility maintenance according to established procedures, including bedding, cleaning, disinfection, and maintaining order and cleanliness.
Participate in laundry room activities such as safe handling of cages, emptying soiled bedding and accessories, mechanical and manual washing of cages and equipment, drying, assembly, and preparation of clean supplies.
Sterilize equipment using autoclaves or other devices in accordance with current protocols, and maintain cleanliness of washing areas and equipment.
Strictly follow biosafety and cross-contamination prevention procedures, comply with health and safety guidelines (including PPE usage), and report any anomalies or equipment/infrastructure malfunctions.
Monitor animals' general health, administer authorized basic treatments, prepare and distribute wet food and special diets, and perform basic technical care (nail clipping, teeth trimming, simple treatments) as per approved protocols, in collaboration with animal health technicians and veterinarians.
Collaborate with the animal care team to ensure service and care continuity, and perform any other related tasks.