Animal Caretaker - Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI

Hackensack Meridian Health•Nutley, NJ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Caretaker is responsible for the feeding, cleaning, and observation of research animals in support of laboratory projects and programs. This position cleans and disinfects cages, rooms, and equipment. Additionally, this role supports staff and researchers with handling and restraint of animals. The Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases. The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

Requirements

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of an FBI background check and other regulatory approvals for admittance to BSL3 facilities and/or select agent facilities.
ALAT certification must be completed by 18 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs preferred.
Prior experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Becomes familiar with laboratory animals, their habits, and their needs. Attends the laboratory animal husbandry course given in the department.
Maintains, scrubs, and disinfects animal cages, cage floors, and cage pans.
Under supervision, cleans and sanitizes cages, animal rooms, and related equipment.
Feeds and waters animals according to the schedule.
Maintains animal rooms in clean and odorless condition; and maintains room census daily.
Weighs or restrains animals when required for various technical procedures.
Collects voided urine and feces when requested in appropriate containers.
Performs such other duties as may be required for the maintenance and welfare of the animal colony.
Understands and adheres to all HMH compliance standards as they appear in HMH policies.
Must be able to carry a minimum of 50 lbs. Lifts a minimum of 50 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 100 lbs. and stands a minimum of 5 hours a day.
Performs other related duties as assigned.