CMP Technical Services Specialist III

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

4d • $25 - $27

About The Position

The Comparative Medicine Program (CMP) enhances excellence in research and teaching at Texas A&M through high quality animal care. We provide a variety of services to researchers at the university through standard and specialized facilities. These services include the procurement of animals and animal husbandry supplies, provision of veterinary care, use of CMP surgical facilities, a polyclonal antibody production service, technical support services, and animal use training services.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced professional with a strong background in animal health and biomedical research across multiple species to join our team as a CMP Technical Services Specialist III. The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced technical skills in animal care and clinical support, possess excellent communication and organizational abilities, show commitment to training and mentoring others, and demonstrate an ability to work independently with minor direct supervision. They should be proactive in managing breeding colonies, supporting veterinary procedures, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and record-keeping. A collaborative spirit, attention to detail, a drive to learn new skills, and a passion for improving animal welfare and research outcomes are essential for success in this role.

Requirements

• Associates degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in a biomedical research environment with a strong emphasis on animal health.
• Must be able to obtain American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certification within one year of employment.
• Must be able to obtain State of Texas class "C" vehicle driver license within 30 days of employment.
• Successful completion of a minimum of 3 CMP Laboratory Animal Science Courses within the first year in this position.
• Successful completion of Barrier Colony Management, Good Laboratory Practices and SBAT training within first year in this position.
• Demonstrate competent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, biomedical science, animal science or a related area.
• Evidence of increasing levels of responsibility in previous jobs either programmatic or supervisory.
• Six years of experience performing technical procedures (ex: blood collection, injection, anesthesia, handling, and restraint).on a variety of animal species including but not limited to rodents, companion, or agricultural species.

Responsibilities

• Breeding Colony Management- Manages the daily care of breeding colonies, selection of new breeders based on expressed goals of the investigators, and maintaining breeding records. Performs technical services related to breeding colony management such as tail snips for genotyping, ear tagging, ear notching, and ear punching. Tracks time and resources used and updates the billing log monthly. Submits transfer request documents to husbandry and clearly marks the cages. Meets with investigators and their staff to discuss experimental needs and how to meet production goals, answer specific questions research staff may have, and coordinate who is responsible for tasks between CMP and the research lab. Maintains communication weekly or biweekly with each research lab on the current state of their colonies.
• Animal Health- Performs activities as directed by clinical veterinarians or division coordinator related to paraveterinary health care procedures. Drives to various CMP facilities to assist with preventative medicine programs including but not limited to submissions of live/dead animals, tissue samples and cell culture specimens. Oversees and provides clinical support to faculty veterinarians in the delivery and instruction of emergency and intensive care, diagnostic services, and zoonotic disease control, including administration of medications, maintenance of complete and accurate medical records, and collection, preparation and submission of clinical pathology samples. Performs or assists in patient medical evaluation. Performs critical and intensive nursing care or life sustaining emergency care as needed. May be required to assist in induction of general anesthesia preparatory to surgery, fluids administration, and replacement therapy. Assists with carrying out quarterly sentinel program under the direction of the primary sentinel technician. Assists with animal health treatments ensuring clinical health records are complete and current. Coordinates health and overcrowded notice follow-ups. Establishes working relationships and communicates effectively with Texas A&M University research staff and CMP staff.
• Supervisory- Supervises and trains CMP Technical Services Specialist I and II staff assigned within the animal health division. Supervises student workers activities including: recruiting, hiring, daily assignments, and completing annual performance reviews. Designs and organizes work schedules tailored to meet programmed needs within a service area. Fills in for CMP Division Coordinator when needed.
• Technical Services- Provides technical services involving CMP core procedures including but not limited to injections, blood collection, anesthesia, and tissue collections. Assists with surgical and post-surgical monitoring and care assistance procedures. Supervises and performs diagnostic testing such as fecal analysis, urinalyses, pack cell volume, and cytology. Performs activities related to research animal breeding colony management: assists with the daily care of breeding colonies, selection of new breeders based on expressed goals of the investigators, and maintaining breeding records. Records technical service work in a log to be turned in and billed out monthly.
• Record and Area Maintenance - Creates and maintains animal health records and training records. Updates and inputs data into logs or databases. Maintains an acceptable level of cleanliness and organization in areas the Health Division oversees such as surgery, pharmacy, or the health lab. Ensures equipment is in working order and inventory levels are adequate. Review and create standard operation procedures as assigned. Maintains accountability for inventory control of equipment and supplies within the service area and assumes responsibility for performing regularly scheduled preventative maintenance checks on equipment. Supervises and provides infectious disease control and sanitation activities to insure a consistently clean working environment.
• Training and Staff Assistance- Instructs group animal handling workshops and one on one technical training sessions. Assists with instruction during surgical short course and Blinn vet tech course sessions. Prepares and distributes certificates as needed for completed trainings. Trains Investigators and their technicians in the use of the inhalant anesthesia machine and approved euthanasia techniques. May be required to assist in the instruction of general anesthesia preparatory to surgery, fluids administration, and replacement therapy. Assures adequate number of animals for the training program. Assists training supervisor by teaching new CMP hires animal handling procedures when needed. Assists in clinical research trials to include comprehensive literature searches and data collation.
• Other Requirements Factors: Persons in this position are considered essential when the University declares an emergency, campus closure, class cancellations, etc. and are therefore required to report to work and remain on duty unless/until relieved by the direct supervisor. Availability to work outside of normal business hours; such as a Tuesday thru Saturday shift or a Sunday thru Thursday shift. Work weekends and Holidays as required.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree