Lab Animal Technician Asst
Rochester, NY
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant will perform activities associated with the provision of routine husbandry services done in one or more animal housing rooms containing various species of laboratory animals. The individual will provide general and technical assistance to supervisors, investigators, animal health, and veterinary staff. Provides support to Vivarium common service areas or functions such as cagewash room, waste/trash removal, and sterile supply. Some assignments, though technically oriented, may require physical exertion.
SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION RECEIVED:
This position works under the frequent supervision of the Vivarium Supervisor and/or the Assistant Supervisors or other designated authorities including Laboratory Animal Care Technicians.
SUPERVISION AND DIRECTION EXERCISED :
The individual may be responsible on occasion for overseeing specific tasks performed by less experienced Laboratory Animal Technician Assistants and temporary employees. The individual is responsible for overseeing those animal manipulations performed by research staff to comply with federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.
MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Responsible for learning the operation and some maintenance of cage, rack and bottle washers, autoclave, trash compactor, high-pressure washes, scales, thermometers, humidistats, psychrometers, floor scrubbers and buffers, automatic watering equipment, and other related technical equipment.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Utilizes knowledge and awareness of standards, requirements, and federal and state regulations. Provides all needed husbandry services for one or more species of laboratory animal. Assures that all standards and conditions pertinent to the proper care and maintenance of assigned species are met.
Learns various assignments until competent to provide for the care of all species housed in the Vivarium.
Utilizes knowledge of normal behavior and physical condition to evaluate overall well-being of animals by observing them daily for signs of ill health or other abnormalities.
Restrains animals for the purpose of assisting animal health and research staff in performance of experimental and veterinary clinical procedures without endangering themselves, other staff, or the animals.
Determines the sex of all common laboratory animals (eg. adults, juveniles, and neonates).
Inspects and evaluates caging, physical plant, and other equipment for conditions affecting laboratory animal well-being and staff safety and reporting any problems. Follows through to assure that reported problems have been resolved.
Reads, understands, and follows instructions contained in posted Standard Operating Procedures. Executes special instructions involving deviations from Standard Operating Procedures as they relate to animal health, experimental design, or veterinary care.
Maintains records such as animal and supply inventories, animal room logs, and special charges. May prepare special reports as requested.
Knowledgeable of factors and considerations involved in the transmission of animal diseases and the role of the animal care technician, animal health technician, and research staff in preventing such disease transmission.
Knows and abides by the requirements pertaining to personal hygiene and institutional policies concerning use of hazardous substances and the safe use of equipment.
Knows the importance of individual animal and project identification and practices established methods to maintain accurate records.
Understands the critical role of the animal care technician assistant as an integral member of the research team and the importance of their individual responsibility for the integrity of various aspects of research projects. Understands the detrimental consequences to research projects and animals that their failure to fulfill such responsibilities can entail.
Other job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma with courses in Chemistry and Biology; or Graduate Equivalency Diploma; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
General experience with animals in a work environment or a research environment is preferred.
Ability to handle and restrain animals for the purpose of assisting animal health and research staff.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to read, understand, and follow instructions contained in Standard Operating Procedures and policies.
Certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science is highly desirable.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
Location: School of Medicine & Dentistry
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Opening: Full Time 40 hours Grade 075
Schedule: 6 AM-2:30 PM; WKNDS AND HOLS ON ROTATION