Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant

University of Maryland•Baltimore, MD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, this position provides basic technical support to the research 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.
Six (6) months in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.
Working 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 communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation (for BLS3 environments).
BLS3 training, ability to demonstrated proficiency in BLS3 practice and techniques, and participate in medical surveillance (for BLS3 environments).
May be required to have current tetanus and/or diphtheria shots.
Incumbents may be required to obtain a measles titer or vaccine and annual TB tests dependent on assigned species.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician may be required.

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 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, 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 cages, instruments, and equipment.
May sterilize glassware and/or syringes.

Benefits

Retirement program (pension)
14 days of vacation accrued per year
16 paid holidays
3 personal leave days
Unlimited accrual of sick time
Time for community service
Comprehensive health insurance
Professional learning and development programs
Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school
Flexible work schedules
Teleworking options (if applicable per job)