UNIV-Laboratory Technologist I-DLAR

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

2d•$45,300 - $77,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports laboratory animal research through rodent technical services, colony management, and core facility operations. Responsibilities include performing rodent procedures (e.g., injections, blood collection, surgeries, necropsies), managing breeding colonies, supporting diagnostic and necropsy services, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with animal use protocols. The role also provides training to research and DLAR staff, assists with animal import/export and sentinel testing, and supports other core and veterinary services as needed during staffing shortages. This position requires attention to detail, regulatory compliance, and flexibility, including occasional weekend and holiday work.

Requirements

An associate degree or equivalent technical training in electronics technology, biology, or the natural sciences and one year work experience in a laboratory environment; or a high school diploma and two years journey-level work experience in a laboratory environment.
Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
Ability to work indoors.
Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers.
Ability to bend at the waist.
Ability to twist at the waist.
Ability to perform 'pinching' operations.
Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
Ability to fully use both legs.
Ability to reach in all directions.
Possess good finger dexterity.
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted.
Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted.
Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted.
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected.
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception.
Good peripheral vision capabilities.
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
Computer literacy.
Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.
Ability to perform job duties in a research environment that will involve direct handling of, or indirect exposure to, research animals, animal housing areas, and related procedures.

Nice To Haves

Ability to climb stairs.
Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted.
Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings.
Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms.
Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
Ability to work overtime as required.

Responsibilities

Performs injections, blood collections, gavaging, physiological tracking, special diet/water provision, necropsies, and surgeries (survival and non-survival).
Manages breeding colonies, including establishing and implementing breeding schemes, collecting tissue samples, and genotyping.
Assists in necropsy for USDA species and performs rodent necropsies.
Trains research laboratory staff on rodent handling, technical procedures, and surgeries.
Trains DLAR staff on necessary rodent procedures and departmental SOPs.
Performs daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance for blood analysis machines and manages records.
Assists with the division’s sentinel program, collecting and shipping samples for testing.
Prepares and packs animals for transport, keeps records of imports/exports, applies ectoparasite treatments, and collects samples for quarantine testing.
Performs requested tests on blood samples, RT-PCR analysis of samples for pathogens, and prepares samples for outside labs.
Fills in for Veterinary Technicians for rodent treatments and assessments, and assists with USDA species medication dosing during shortages or surges.
Maintains inventory of training animals, arranges donations and transfers of animals, and tracks usage.
Accurately maintains records of all procedures performed for research projects.
Manages and works effectively with collaborators and other groups needing Colony Management support.
Collects samples and performs duties for the Cross Foster program.
Performs other related duties as required.