Laboratory Animal Resources Technician

Southern Research•Birmingham, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing general research support within the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) group, including the daily care, husbandry, and breeding colony management of ferrets in support of research programs. The Laboratory Animal Resources Technician demonstrates an understanding of scientific research and methods, proficiency in laboratory animal husbandry and technical procedures, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include routine animal care, breeding colony management, health observations, recordkeeping, and support of research activities in accordance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and study protocols. This position reports directly to the Manager, Laboratory Animal Resources.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree of a science related field with at least 2 years of related laboratory experience.
Ability to observe appropriate safety and study requirements by reading, understanding and following Standard Operating Procedures, Good Laboratory Practices requirements, and study protocols.
Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrate ability to utilize relevant MS Office Suite Products.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to include an N95 respirator or PAPR for extended periods of time.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Able to work overtime when necessary and rotating weekends and holidays.
Demonstrated knowledge and application of standard scientific principles, theories, and concepts.
Demonstrated ability to learn new tasks.
This position requires the ability to meet all entry requirements, including medical and vaccination requirements for work in both an ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 laboratory environment. Immunizations are required for this position and are determined by the study/agent. Some examples include Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, Yellow Fever, and Influenza.

Nice To Haves

ALAT, LAT, or LATG (preferred, not required).

Responsibilities

Observes and executes activities consistent with study protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or Laboratory Methods, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) regulations, and safety and health practices.
Demonstrates knowledge of basic study design and execution.
Executes key activities on a study following appropriate procedures.
Administers test and control materials by various routes, including, gavage, capsule, diet/drinking water, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous.
Gathers and reviews in-life and husbandry data for various study types, including body weights, clinical observations, food consumption.
Performs reproductive-specific procedures, including pairing, vaginal lavage, estrous stage identification, handling pregnant and nursing animals; handling, sexing, identification, weaning, and vaccination of ferret kits
Handles and restrains ferrets and also comfortable handling of animals of various species (e.g. rodents, ferrets, dogs, non-human primates, rabbits, etc.) in animal biosafety levels 1, 2, or 3, as required.
Assists in the training of new team members on laboratory techniques.
Collects samples and specimens.
Observes, records and reports abnormal findings to the veterinarian.
Performs animal identification procedures.
Assists in surgeries.
Performs animal necropsies and harvests various tissues as directed per study protocol.
Proficiently sets up and reviews study files in the Provantis data collection system.
Proficiently performs electronic randomization procedures utilizing Provantis.
Creates and revises forms and SOPs as necessary.
Administers various types of anesthesia and performs euthanasia of animals.
Records data in the Provantis data collection system.
Reviews in-life and husbandry data as required.
Acts as study lead as assigned (order and organize study supplies, organize paperwork, compare study protocol to ACUP and BPR to ensure no discrepancies)
Assists in the training of new team and current members on laboratory techniques.
Completes other duties as assigned.