LAB ANIMAL TECHNICIAN II

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute•San Diego, CA

3d•$22 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges. We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health. Together, we translate science into health. The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary. POSITION SUMMARY: Under direct supervision from the Breeding Colony Manager, the Lab Animal Technician II will be responsible for maintaining research laboratory mouse breeding colonies for multiple PIs/labs. Generally, the LAT II is responsible for breeding colony maintenance procedures for approximately 500-800 cages, including some cage changing. In addition, the technician may assist researchers with laboratory procedures as requested. This position involves a range of tasks and functions that are typically essential to continue critical vivarium operations.

Requirements

High School diploma required.
Two (2) years progressive lab animal experience required or equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.
Possess a demonstrated interest in the humane care, management, and utilization of animals in a research setting.
Proficiency in handling and restraint of laboratory rodents.
Knowledge of animal health, disease control/prevention, and technical procedures gained through combination of education, training and practical hands-on experience.
Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of common laboratory rodent diseases, and identification of conditions which may result from research procedures.
Work independently as well as in a team environment.
Be responsible, organized, and a problem solver.
Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, and LabTracks.

Nice To Haves

An Associates or Bachelor’s degree in biology or animal sciences preferred.
AALAS certifications (ALAT, LAT or LATG) or AHT preferred.

Responsibilities

Changes cages when needed, (based on the assigned workload), per the AF Husbandry SOPs.
May perform husbandry for immunocompromised mice that require sterile caging, food, water and bedding.
May perform husbandry work in viral vector BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2) or Quarantine animal areas.
May be assigned husbandry work in BSL-2 infectious viral or bacterial containment animal study areas.
May be assigned work with mice in Specific Pathogen Free rooms.
Performs breeding colony maintenance procedures for multiple PIs.
Completes daily animal health checks; observes general health condition of each animal assigned under technician’s care. Observations include a daily check of each cage for adequate food and water, and animal health observations for pregnant animals, new litters and for signs of distress, illness, or injury due to phenotype expression or experimental procedures.
Completes and distributes health status forms to labs (e.g. sick mice, found dead).
Breeding colony maintenance procedures include mating mice, timed mating with vaginal sperm plug check, weaning litters, ear notching mice, and collecting tail snips for genotyping purposes.
Expertise in LabTracks database management is required to maintain up-to-date and accurate breeding colony records.
Direct communication with research PI/lab contacts regarding colony maintenance requests and health findings (breeding production, non-productive breeders, sick or found dead animals).
Updates researchers on the workflow status of their breeding colony maintenance procedure requests in a timely manner.
Reports health concerns to the Attending Veterinarian, Manager or Animal Health Coordinator and research PI/lab contact, for guidance on treatment or euthanasia.
Determines course of actions concerning animal welfare, including euthanasia, in absence of direct orders by other lab staff members.
Treats animals for routine conditions such as dermatitis or abrasions caused by aggressive behavior.
Separates aggressive animals and provides additional cage enrichment materials.
Reads the Animal Use Protocols (AUFs) to become familiar with research projects.
Documents special care requirements for colonies under technician’s care (e.g., diets and food supplements with start and end dates).
Maintains animal and cage census and ensures appropriate per diem rate is applied to each census record.
May perform technical procedures on animals as stated in the animal protocol (AUF), including blood collection, injection of materials (IV, IP, IM, SC), or oral dosing of drugs and compounds.
May assist Manager with cross training the LAT I staff on room and animal health checks, mating mice, timed mating/vaginal plug check, weaning litters, tail biopsy, and LabTracks database entry.
Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.