Assistant Head of Laboratory Animal Research Service

New York Blood Center Inc•City of Rye, NY

5d•$100,000 - $110,000

About The Position

The Assistant Head of the Laboratory Animal Research Service (LARS) assists the Head of LARS in overseeing the vivarium at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute. The role supports daily animal-facility operations, animal care, regulatory compliance, staff coverage, researcher communication, and training. The Assistant Head conducts daily vivarium rounds; communicates with scientists, veterinarians, and the Head of LARS about daily care; administers prescribed treatments; monitors animal health and documents assessments, treatment, and follow-up care. The position also has alternating weekend and holiday responsibilities and participates in training initiatives and quarterly sentinel health screening. The role leads and coordinates training for LARS employees and researchers, including emergency preparedness, and maintains records of training sessions and assessments. It trains new LARS and research personnel and provides working supervision to junior staff. The Assistant Head helps ensure animal-facility activities comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and accrediting-agency guidelines, and supports humane, safe, and sanitary care of laboratory animals. Additional duties include monitoring animal health and room conditions; sanitizing rooms, service areas, equipment, and hallways; providing routine treatments as directed; maintaining animal, breeding, and procedure records; administering protocol-specific diets and water; receiving, transporting, and distributing animals; operating and maintaining animal-care equipment; managing waste and refrigerators; collecting biological samples; and maintaining containment areas and institutional programs. The position also provides technical and administrative assistance, supports investigators, manages husbandry inventory and procurement, assists with corrective actions, and serves as backup for the Head of LARS during unannounced inspections. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Supervisory experience.
At least 5 years of experience in a barrier facility or performing duties in a related area.
Understanding of the basics of animal health and disease.
Knowledge of procedures for cleaning and sterilizing caging and familiarity with equipment used for laboratory animal housing and care.
Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks, including ethical guidelines, biosafety regulations, and data protection laws.
Knowledge of and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Cultural competency and ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with diverse individuals and groups.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with investigators and complete requests.
Strong leadership and managerial skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
Organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Principal Investigators and other staff.
Must not be allergic to any animal species or their by-products, bedding, or cleaning solutions.
Ability to be responsive and available to management to address issues and concerns as they arise.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing tasks and demands.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to analyze alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches within established policies and procedures.
Ability to identify complex problems, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may qualify if they provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities

Assist the Head of LARS with oversight and management of the LARS vivarium.
Conduct daily vivarium room rounds and communicate with scientists, veterinarians, and the Head of LARS regarding daily animal care.
Administer treatments prescribed by clinical veterinarians and/or the Head of LARS; monitor and document health assessments, treatments, and follow-up care.
Provide coverage for LARS staff and work alternating weekends and holidays.
Participate in training initiatives and quarterly sentinel health screening.
Ensure animal-facility activities are conducted efficiently and in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and accrediting-agency guidelines.
Lead and administer LARS training for employees and researchers; schedule and coordinate department and emergency-preparedness training.
Train new LARS and research personnel and provide working supervision to junior staff.
Maintain training records, including attendees, trainer name and credentials, training materials or outline, and assessment results.
Provide humane, safe, and sanitary care for laboratory animals; observe animals for clinical signs of disease or behavioral changes and report observations.
Observe and report unusual animal-room environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, and vermin.
Schedule room breakdowns and sanitize service rooms, equipment, hallways, and animal rooms.
Provide routine treatment for common disease problems and monitor health as directed by the Head of LARS or a veterinarian.
Assist with maintaining animal, breeding, and procedure records.
Administer special diets and water according to protocols or directions.
Receive, transport, and distribute incoming and exporting animals according to established procedures.
Operate and maintain the cage washer, bottle filler, autoclave, and other support equipment.
Schedule and transport animal carcasses, biological waste products, and general refuse.
Schedule and maintain drug, blood, and morgue refrigerators.
Collect biological samples, including blood, urine, fecal, and rectal or nasal swabs, for diagnostic testing.
Maintain quarantine, isolation, barrier, irradiation, and biohazard (BSL-3) containment areas.
Process and perform special service requests.
Back up the Head of LARS during unannounced inspections.
Maintain institutional autoclave biological, quarantine, sentinel, and vermin-control programs.
Perform administrative tasks and provide general technical assistance to animal-care and research staff.
Maintain communication with and provide support for investigators.
Recognize deviations, unusual occurrences, and animal-welfare concerns; promptly notify responsible individuals, report findings to the Director of LARS, and contribute to corrective actions.
Assist with implementing changes and monitor the effectiveness of solutions.
Oversee, maintain inventory, procure, and properly store husbandry supplies and consumables.
Maintain and process the Transnety’s Tag Center.
Attend training programs to increase knowledge and expertise in laboratory animal science.
Perform other related duties as assigned or needed.