Animal Care Technician II

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

3d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future. The Rodent Models Core at the Waisman Center is essential to the success of research that uses rodent models for the study of normal and abnormal development and degeneration of the nervous system. It is responsible for the care, feeding and record-keeping related to the use of mice and rats on biomedical research projects and the maintenance of specific rodent models of developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases. The Animal Care Technician II will be part of a team of animal care technicians that work collectively to provide the highest level of care to the facility's laboratory rodents, as well as communicate relevant health concerns to veterinary staff.

Requirements

At least one year of experience with responsible care and use of animals in a research setting.
Knowledge of acceptable animal husbandry practices and procedures.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to read and understand various animal care protocols and standard operating procedures.
Ability to accurately record animal health observations, environmental conditions, and daily maintenance logs.
The ability to learn safety rules and precautions necessary to maintain animal health.

Nice To Haves

American Association for laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) level.

Responsibilities

Inventories, cleans, and maintains organization of animal holding spaces and supplies
Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications
Observes animal behavior, performs basic animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate entities to contribute to the health and well-being of animals and promote research
Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic tests and research
Maintains organization of and updates records related to research procedures
Inspects and reports equipment problems to ensure optimal and safe operation