Lab Animal Caretaker - Comparative Medicine Services

Tufts University • Boston, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Animal Caretaker, under the supervision of the Animal Care Supervisors, will be responsible for the daily husbandry of laboratory animals, the monitoring of room environment, the sanitation of the facilities, and the maintenance of associated equipment. Tufts Comparative Medicine Services (CMS) provides facilities, services, and information to facilitate effective research using laboratory animals at Tufts University and Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston and Tufts University in Medford. CMS is also obligated to ensure that animal care procedures and animal experimentation comply with federal, state, and local regulations. The management and operation of animal care activities are integral to the animal care and use program. All centralized facilities are located within a 2-block radius, either in Boston or Medford, housing more than 40,000 animals daily.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be able to read, write and understand verbal, as well as written instructions.
• Must be able to work under conditions of animal odors, heat and humidity from cage washing rooms, and biohazardous materials and chemicals used in research.
• Must be able to lift and carry weights of approximately 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work with a variety of research animals, including rodents, dogs, pigs, cats, rabbits, ruminants and ferrets.
• Upon proper training, must be able to euthanize animals.

Responsibilities

• Changes animals on a scheduled basis from dirty housing to clean housing per CMS procedures.
• Supplies clean water, food and nesting material during cage change procedures.
• Documents deaths and signs of illness of animals.
• Performs general cleaning of facility (animal rooms, hallways, storerooms, etc), including sweeping, mopping, dusting, and scrubbing.
• Monitors environment in animal rooms, including temperature, relative humidity, lighting, etc.
• Monitors and reports failure of cagewash, autoclave and other equipment.
• Move heavy equipment associated with the housing and care of laboratory animals.
• Euthanize animals.
• Perform other duties as set by supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED