Research Professional 1 - Preclinical Research

University of Minnesota•Minneapolis, MN

45d•$22 - $26

About The Position

About the Job: At PCRC, the needs of the animals are first and foremost. Each animal receives the best care possible for his or her physical, psychological and social well-being. The animals are treated with respect, compassion and empathy. The PCRC is seeking a self-starting employee, who is a team player committed to performing high-quality animal clinical care and research in a fast-paced research laboratory setting. This position will be a part of a team that is committed to caring for the animals that make it possible to advance groundbreaking research in transplantation, COVID-19, diabetes, obesity, and regenerative medicine to the clinic, while simultaneously conducting the fully-funded (NIH, JDRF [Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation] and Industry) research of PCRC. Specifically, PCRC's research is focused on studying the effects of improving the welfare of animals used in biomedical models, thus enhancing the translational value of animal models used in biomedical research. As such, the employee must have interest in cooperative handling, enrichment, and animal husbandry (behavioral management) with rodents, pigs, and nonhuman primates. The translational and high regulatory research completed at PCRC requires attention to detail and the ability to follow precise written protocols that adhere to GLP regulations. The employee will learn how to provide and be responsible for daily behavioral management, care, enrichment, and nurturing to animals by preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining the Center facility. They will receive training, in becoming proficient in transfer, handling, specialized individual care, and will begin to acquire skills in Colony Management. Additionally, the employee will perform research and related tasks in animal husbandry in evaluating the influence on animal welfare and scientific outcomes. The Center has a unique focus on primates, so while employees will be working with a variety of animals, they should have a strong interest in working with monkeys as this is an entry-level position in primate care, behavioral management and research. The employee will participate in center support by training new volunteers, keeping detailed records and reporting on the status of the animals, making updates and revisions to SOPs, and handle specimens or equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. When not occupied with routine tasks, the employee is expected to participate in other lab tasks as assigned to advance the team's work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a social or natural science or combination of 4 years of related education and experience in the animal sciences, biological sciences, analytical sciences, or related health sciences
Experience working with small and large animals
Able to function independently as well as in a group
Must be willing to work a flexible work week; core lab hours are 7am to 3:30pm with rotational schedule for evenings, weekends and holidays
Must be able to lift 50lbs by oneself, must be able to sit and stand for long periods
A current negative tuberculosis screening and measles vaccination is required as a condition of employment

Nice To Haves

Experience with animal models for medical research
Basic skill in clinical observation and treatment
Experience in basic small and large animal handling and behavior
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
Experience conducting research in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

Responsibilities

Perform NIH, JDRF and business & industry funded research focused on the role of husbandry as it relates to animal welfare, scientific outcomes, and support of the Program Director's scientific welfare philosophy
Under the direction of senior staff, perform daily observation/assessment of animals (ie. Fecal scoring, health indicators such as appetite, social compatibility with other animal subjects, weight fluctuations, Lixit training for hydration assessment, activity level, overall health status) to generate data points to use in metabolic research in order to minimize disruptions during treatment sessions
Record data, make assessments, and perform basic data analysis in order to inform future actions/decisions pertaining to animal enrichment
Perform instrument calibration and point of care assays
Identify the enrichment needs of individual animals and their phase within a study in order to prepare and maintain specialty housing setups for metabolic or infectious disease, paying particular attention to each individual animal and their requirements
Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of body weight measurements, animal observations (fecal scoring 1-4, enrichment identification and rotation, etc), procedures completed, temperament and sociality assessments
Assist with animal handling for cooperation with care and research task performance
Maintain meticulous records and collect research data in accordance with GLP guidelines
Maintains a clean environment and ensures that areas are adequately ordered, stocked and that equipment is in working order
Assist with development of protocol for process improvement and animal welfare projects
Assist with training and educational programs and tours
Responsible for safe keeping of sensitive and confidential material
Establish and maintain a working knowledge of the principles behind daily work
Participate in Center meetings/rounds
Assemble instrument and packs as needed
Clean lab, instruments, and equipment
Other duties as assigned-will develop cross-functional skills by assisting all areas of lab
Identify the specific factors/conditions of animal subjects (ie. Age, physical condition, etc) in order to maintain species appropriate housing, social grouping, nutrition and care
Identify specific needs and history of animal subjects in order to prepare appropriate nutritionally balanced food and special diets, clean and enrich enclosures, provide for
socialization, and maintain the Center facility according to scientific protocols
Prepares supplies and paperwork supporting facility management, husbandry, and clinical care
Under the direction of senior staff, participate in veterinary consults, treatment plans, and follow up
Facilitate open and professional communication related to animals under their care and teamwork among a diverse team (technicians, students, DVMs, scientists) to support positive outcomes and excellent animal care
Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of: biscuit consumption, daily enrichment offerings, supplies used, senior staff communications, census information, etc.
Must adhere to safety and infection control policies and procedures and be willing to clean and deep clean areas
Assist with surgical induction and recovery of large and small animals
Must have the ability to work in a clinical care setting

Benefits

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area