Animal Care Technician

Rice University•Houston, TX

1d•$16 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Resources Facility department is the backbone support for the groundwork in research developments and innovations by providing basic care for the animals involved in research and teaching at Rice University. Under the direction of the animal research facility manager, the animal care technician is responsible for delivering exceptional animal care to the research animals at Rice University. She/he performs daily animal care and husbandry of laboratory animals in a research environment and performs basic evaluation of the levels of sanitation/sterilization. The animal care technician is responsible for performing animal technical procedures and providing animal related care as directed by the attending veterinarian or designee. She/he supports operations in the facility and all species in accordance with standard operating procedures and training to ensure compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations as well as all applicable federal, state, local and institutional laws, regulations, policies. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who has strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with staff, and communicate animal health issues, compliance issues, training, facility issues, etc. in a professional collegial manner with Rice staff members. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

Requirements

HS Diploma or equivalent
Two or more (2+) years of related experience handling multiple animal species
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet software, Microsoft Office Suite
Basic math and research skills
Good organization skills and strong attention to detail
Ability to listen and communicate effectively (verbal, written)
Ability to work independently and in team environments
Ability to conduct basic evaluation and analysis of data
Ability to maintain quality, safety and/or infection control standards

Nice To Haves

Good computer skills (e.g. able to scan barcodes, sync PDA’s for submitting Health Surveillance Reports electronically, utilize email account for work-related communications, follow online training)
Ability to communicate animal health information to appropriate personnel, maintain legible records for permanent status
General knowledge of feeding, caging, and space requirements for multiple species of laboratory animals used in research
Able to identify animal health concerns and regulatory compliance for their assigned areas and to report conditions to veterinary staff, researchers, and compliance staff
Full knowledge of disinfection, sanitation, and cleaning agents; knowledge and ability to use cage washers for cleaning and autoclaves for sterilization of cages
Able to follow instructions
General knowledge of federal and other licensing agencies’ regulations

Responsibilities

Assists in conducting research and experiments (e.g , performs technical procedures with supervision, health monitoring, weaning, animal handling, and sexing of laboratory animals)
Collects and tracks basic data using spreadsheets and database
Assists in the laboratory setup and daily care for various species of animals (e.g., daily observation, feeding and watering, sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and equipment, exercising and providing environmental enrichment)
Prepares procurement requests and orders materials and supplies, manages sample and stock database, sets up and manages experiments, and maintains research results for publications
Performs all other duties as assigned
Establishes working relationships and communicates effectively with Rice University research staff, animal research facility manager, and attending veterinarian
Reviews, comprehends, and complies with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and quality assurance standards pertaining to specific area
Monitors daily animal health/welfare while performing daily animal health observations
Performs animal husbandry duties to maintain quality/health of research animals includes daily bottle/cage checks; provide appropriate food/water; cage changing/cleaning
Assists with restraint, handling and manipulation of various animal species as assigned
Disposes of animal carcasses following established procedures
Observes and reports problems involving animal care equipment and environmental support systems
Maintains accurate departmental animal housing/support area record keeping
Records animal health concerns per SOP and/or specified protocols
Receives, inspects and puts away received incoming animals
Operates equipment and uses supplies according to safety guidelines
Sanitizes facilities, animal housing units, and ancillary animal care equipment
Performs general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures