Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant Hourly

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

5d•$26 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

A Research Technician position is available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland (UMD) College Park, located just outside Washington, DC. The Department of Veterinary Medicine at UMD is home to numerous excellent scientists in the field of human and veterinary microbiology and infectious diseases. The department provides an excellent research environment and advanced research facilities, including BSL3/ABSL3 suites, to support cutting-edge infectious diseases research. The Park Lab, led by Dr. Jaekeun Park, Assistant Professor, studies T-cell immunity to viral infection and vaccination, with a particular emphasis on CD8 T-cell responses to influenza virus. Our research aims to better understand protective immunity and contribute to the development of improved strategies for influenza prevention in both humans and animals. The Research Technician will provide broad support for laboratory research, animal studies, and day-to-day laboratory operations. Specific responsibilities are described below. Under direct supervision, provides basic technical support to the research and teaching functions of a laboratory animal facility and performs animal husbandry practices. This position may be used in one or all types of Biosafety Laboratories (BLS) ranging from level 1 to 3 environments.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
One year in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.
Biosafety Laboratories Level 3 (BLS3) requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation.
General knowledge of husbandry practices as routinely required in a laboratory animal environment.
Ability to operate standard laboratory animal equipment including scales, autoclaves, pressure washers, cage washers, steam cleaners, etc.
Ability to lift bags of feed and bedding.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures.
Ability to move heavy stainless steel racks, clean cages, etc.
Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment.
Ability to operate computers and other standard office equipment.
Ability to provide guidance and training to others.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with laboratory animals in ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 containment settings is preferred.
At least five years of relevant research experience, including experience with animal colony management and animal research support.
Six months in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.

Responsibilities

Observes, identifies, and reports animal health related problems.
Administers special diets, medication, and experimental drugs.
Assists higher level personnel during medical treatments or experimental procedures.
Performs routine research related activities such as collecting, measuring and analyzing specimens, transporting and weighing animals.
Coordinates animal care activities with other staff.
Assists with the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of the health of laboratory animals. Assists with the breeding of animals and other activities to maintain animal room stock and various crosses.
Provides husbandry support as required by standard operating procedures such as ensuring appropriate feeding and watering of animals, cleaning and changing cages, preparing special diets and maintaining proper temperature, light, and humidity levels.
Handles animal carcasses, tissues, and wastes following established policies and procedures.
Maintains husbandry records pertaining to animal census, animal breeding, dietary studies, infectious disease studies, etc.
Receives, inspects, and stocks supplies such as animal feed and bedding. Assists in maintaining inventory.
Coordinates with general maintenance for repairs and regulates the lighting, ventilation, temperature and humidity levels of the animal room environment.
Sterilizes glassware, syringes, instruments and equipment.
Animal inventory management and related support
Animal breeding colony management and recordkeeping
Conducting and supporting animal studies and experimental procedures
Animal study preparation, coordination, documentation, and protocol-related support
Occasional weekend and holiday animal care and research support, as needed
Regulatory, safety, and research compliance support
Laboratory reagent, solution, media, and material preparation
Biological sample collection, preparation, processing, storage, and related support
General experimental and research project support
Laboratory equipment, supply, and inventory management
Laboratory maintenance, cleaning, organization, and operational support
Research documentation, data entry, recordkeeping, and laboratory administrative support
Support for other laboratory research projects, activities, and operational needs, as assigned
Support for research activities conducted in BSL-3 and ABSL-3 containment settings, as required
Other duties related to laboratory operations and research activities, as assigned