Training, Enrichment, and Technology Specialist, Office of Laboratory Animal Care, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

23d • Onsite

About The Position

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Training, Enrichment, and Technology Specialist, located in the Office of Laboratory Animal Care. The University of Tennessee maintains various species of laboratory and teaching animals across the Knoxville-area. Faculty, research staff, students and lab animal facility staff require training to become familiar with and conduct the basic husbandry and technical procedures, while minimizing animal welfare issues. The primary purpose of this position is to routinely deliver professional training to a wide variety of laboratory animal users across multiple animal facilities within the University. The role develops and delivers information through the OLAC website modules, in-person group training sessions, and one-on-one specialized sessions. The role will follow-up with trainees during their work to confirm continued proficiency. The role works closely with the IACUC Office on regulatory training and post-approval monitoring follow-up. The role works closely with facility managers to guide training of facility staff. The role works closely with the OLAC Director to develop, document, and train a wide range of individuals of various processes.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field; Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) Certification
• Experience: Experience working in a research setting and knowledge of Federal regulations associated with research animals. Minimum of three years of experience conducting lab animal husbandry with progression to proficiency in technical procedures.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of technical procedures, husbandry and teaching methods. Knowledge of various species' normal behaviors and anatomy, including rodents, pocket pets, dogs, cats, avians and poultry. Knowledge of Federal regulations relating to animals and animal welfare. Ability to adhere to safety procedures. Ability to work in a high stress environment. Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and effectively across organizational lines and in collaboration with colleagues throughout the organization. Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, service-oriented, rapidly changing environment to accomplish mutual goals. Ability to communicate with a complex and dynamic campus community. Working knowledge of state and federal regulations and accreditation related to Animal Research regulations as applied in a university setting. Ability to apply independent ethically sound judgment, discretion and initiative in performing administrative functions. Computer skills and competencies in Microsoft Office. Ability to travel to various facilities on a routine basis.

Nice To Haves

• Education: Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATg) certification
• Experience: Experience in a training or teaching role.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Experience in an academic, land-grant university setting.

Responsibilities

• TRAINING: Develops, delivers, assesses, evaluates, and improves training and workshops for a wide range of audiences. This includes training on animal handling +/- procedures for lab animal facility personnel, scientists, undergraduate and graduate students working with animals. It also includes training on husbandry procedures and facility equipment within the traditional lab animal facilities. Conducts assessments to determine training needs on new techniques or equipment. Provides expertise and advises junior trainers or junior post-approval monitoring coordinators on best practices. Recommends appropriate training or proficiency tools and technologies. Creates and/or secures simulation models for training, if necessary. Creates and/or updates training videos/modules for review prior to hands-on sessions and as refresher for users. Works with committees related to area of specialty (IACUC, Biosafety) - coordinates new personnel added to protocols with IACUC and creates necessary training components for each individual. Based on the individual's work and experience, may include aseptic and surgical techniques, colony management, and biosafety practices when working with animals. Engages with vendors +/- manuals as new equipment is secured to understand operation and maintenance of new equipment, then host training sessions on its use.
• ENRICHMENT: Coordinates, implements and modifies enrichment SOPs or log sheets, when necessary. Schedules and trains staff on best practices for enrichment of animals. Monitors staff progress and re-trains staff on SOPs, when necessary. Enhances the program through regular monitoring of behavioral and enrichment resources available and determining suitability for the institution. Maintains enrichment supplies, toys, and enrichment areas, ensuring good condition. Makes judgments regarding socialization needs based on behavioral assessments performed.
• OTHER: Maintains and improves the OLAC website, ACUP SOP repository, clinical case management system, and training log software tools. Attends continuing education, local AALAS branch meetings and assists with their preparation. Supports animal care facilities during periods of staffing shortages. Provide technical assistance for research support (anesthesia, surgery, and other procedures). Complete institutional trainings as required perform job (EHS, Biosafety, OHP, Radiation safety, etc.). Serves on other committees as directed. Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level