Lead Animal Care Technician

Merck • Elkhorn, NE

5d

About The Position

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.
Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Basic animal husbandry, observation of animals, record keeping, owning and training on technical procedures, supervising animal care stuff, liaising with R&D/QC, ordering, procurement, workorders, etc., with in addition to cleaning and servicing of animal units.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in applicable field preferred.
• AALAS certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience working in an animal test facility.
• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, health and welfare for the specific species at the facility is required.
• Ability to perform physical work, i.e., lifting 50 pounds.
• Strong leadership skills, dependability, work ethic
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic animal husbandry, i.e., feed, water, care, sanitation, socialization. Observations of test animals for adverse reactions.
• Cleaning and disinfection of animal units after an experiment is conducted. This includes initial cleaning, disinfecting, changing filters and fumigation of the units.
• Support animal care and R&D personnel by assisting with technical procedures on animals, i.e., bleeding, restraining and inoculation. This includes collection of blood, nasal swabs and fecal sampling. Euthanasia of animals for collection of tissue by Attending Veterinarian and/or Project Leaders. Necropsy of animals for project leaders to evaluate lesions, tissue samples and disease.
• Keep accurate records on animals involved in studies. Contact Attending Veterinarian, Manager or Supervisor if animals show abnormal behavior. Review animal protocol studies within two weeks prior to initiation of the animal studies.
• Supervisory duties of animal (ensure staff are performing duties properly – correct or escalate to manager as needed. Must also assist with operations such as procurement (eg., feed/bedding), workorders, etc.
• Train junior technicians on SOPs and day-to-day tasks/procedures
• Stock animal rooms, identify animals, i.e., tagging, placement of animals in proper facility
• All other duties to be assigned by direct manager

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees