Animal Vivarium Technician

Perspective Therapeutics•Coralville, IA

About The Position

The Animal Vivarium Technician will be an integral part of our vivarium facility team, reporting directly to the Director of Discovery Preclinical Pharmacology. This role will primarily involve providing comprehensive support for all aspects of the vivarium; animal husbandry and welfare, technical support of investigators and overall operation and maintenance of the facility. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining the welfare of research animals and supporting ongoing research activities.

Requirements

Associate degree in Animal Sciences, Veterinary Technology, Biology, Technical/Agricultural high school animal science degree.
Minimum of 1 years of experience working with rodents (mice and rats).
Knowledge of animal behavior, biology, and basic husbandry practices.
Working Knowledge of USDA, Guide for Care and Use Lab Animals, AAALAC.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately.
Be able to read and write in English.
Working knowledge of excel, word and power point.
Excellent communications, interpersonal and collaboration skills, and ability to interact professionally with a wide range of individuals and organizations, internal and external.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and commitment to high quality work.
Full range of motion and ability to use both hands mandated by machinery. High degree of manual dexterity.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks associated with animal care and facility maintenance.
Ability to maintain focus on a complex task for 4-6 hours at a time.
Ability to work within a corporate culture in which enthusiasm, respect, integrity, and teamwork are expected to be the highest of standards.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as required.
Must be willing to work in a facility producing radioactive materials and requiring all employees to participate in safety programs designed to minimize potential and/or actual exposure levels.
Must be able to work outside of regular work hours, including off shift, weekend, and holiday work as business needs require.
May be required to sit or stand for long periods of 8+ hours a day while performing duties.
Occasional kneeling, crouching, twisting the upper body, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, or reaching may be required.
Must possess good hand-eye coordination; close attention to detail is required.
Must be able to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to mechanical/moving parts, hazards including radioactive, corrosive, flammable and toxic material, dust, dirt, odors, and irritants.
Must be willing to wear a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye and hearing protection, as needed.
Willingness to complete safety training within allotted timeframes, and work in a team-based environment.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for research animals, including feeding, watering, and monitoring health and behavior insuring animal welfare and compliance.
Perform cage changing, provision of enrichment, facility sanitation and maintenance.
Support research activities by assisting with experimental procedures, handling and restraint of animals, and maintaining accurate records.
Perform common rodent skills and willing to learn new skills upon training.
Perform inventory management, ensuring adequate supplies are available while minimizing waste.
Collaborate with Scientific and veterinary staff to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and accreditation requirements.
Maintain accurate records and documentation related to IACUC, animal care, experimental procedures, and facility operations.
Perform facility maintenance tasks, including equipment cleaning and routine inspections.
Assist in development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of animals and personnel.
Order, schedule and receive laboratory animals.
Work Holidays and weekends assigned in a rotation.