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Overview

The role of the New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (NERBL) is to support advanced infectious disease research as part of an NIH-funded national network of biosafety laboratories in support of efforts towards pandemic preparedness. The NERBL provides BSL2 and BSL3 biocontainment laboratory and animal accommodation facilities to investigators from academia as well as industry partners engaged in infectious disease research and in development and validation of preventives and interventions. Animal care for NERBL is provided by the Division of Animal Resources (DAR). The goal of DAR is to facilitate research and teaching with animals at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

What You'll Do

Animal Services Technologists are vital members of the integrated team responsible for the care of animals in the NERBL, working closely with research staff to support the NERBL infectious disease research program. The technologist is responsible for coordinating and performing some or all of the animal work for research projects. The technologist will perform both pre and post-procedural care for both rodent and non-rodent models. The technologist will assist in study development and coordination, inventory, ordering supplies, protocol writing, and generating estimates and study sheets for proposed work. Other work may include tissue harvest and use of laboratory equipment including centrifuge, microscopes, etc. The technologist will follow approved procedures and guidelines.

The Animal Services Technologist essential responsibilities include:

RBL vivarium and animal care:

• Perform daily animal husbandry and health checks and pre and post-procedure monitoring
• Administer treatments and provide care to the animals as directed by the veterinarian(s) or written in approved protocol
• Provide social, food, and physical enrichment to the animals
• Perform cage changes, cage, wager bottles, racks cleaning and sanitizing
• Monitor vivarium room conditions and clean and sanitize rooms
• Process biohazardous waste
• Must be available to work flexible schedule that supports weekend, holiday, emergency and after hour study and operational responsibilities

RBL technical assistance:

• Perform independently or assist veterinarians and investigative staff in technical services (i.e., injections, blood collection, euthanasia, etc.)
• Assist investigative staff in project coordination including scheduling, supply ordering and management, and coordination of study details
• Maintain appropriate and accurate records and data sheets for studies and medical records
• Assist in training investigative staff in techniques associated with research projects.
• Assist with anesthesia induction, animal transport, anesthesia monitoring, and recovery
• Assist with daily RBL operations as needed

RBL Compliance and training:

• Ensure compliance with RBL facility regulations and expectations and state and federal regulations governing the use of animals in research for animals housed at the RBL
• Complete relevant A/BSL3 and select agent trainings, participate in emergency drills
• Report on quality assurance findings to veterinarian(s) and assist in developing methods to correct items of non-compliance at the RBL
• Maintain complete and accurate records of compliance reviews and correspondence with school, university, and investigative staff regarding studies at the RBL
• Protocol review prior to beginning research studies related to work conducted at the RBL
• Assist with the federally mandated program for teaching humane animal use procedures
• Actively participate in interdepartmental and continuing education seminars
• Keep up with current developments in methods, standards, and requirements for training in animal research and current laws, regulations, university guidelines, and IACUC policies governing animal research, teaching, and testing

Administrative:

• Assist with RBL drug and supply ordering, inventory, and distribution; room maintenance; and any other additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor and/or veterinarian(s).
• Provide estimates to investigative staff at the RBL for upcoming work
• Note that this description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties is assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
• 3-4 years of experience in lab animal husbandry and care
• 1-2 years of experience in a technical or research lab in infectious disease, immunology or related
• Must be comfortable handling and restraining laboratory animals and working in an animal facility
• Experience or willing to learn to work with a variety of laboratory animals, including but not limited to mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets
• Must have the ability to perform animal physical examinations, clinical specimen collection, administer medications, perform laboratory diagnostic procedures, and perform euthanasia
• Willingness to work in a laboratory environment up to Biosafety Level 3 (including Biological Select Agents and Toxins)
• Must be willing to enroll in the Federal Select Agent Program
• Must be medically fit for working in the A/BSL3 environment, able to use a respirator, and undertake any OHS required screening and immunizations
• Must have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Must have clear communication skills, and ability to work effectively with individuals across different divisions and from diverse backgrounds
• Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including accurate recording of animal observations and data
• Computer skills, including MS Excel and MS Word

Preferred Qualifications:

• AALAS Certification at the ALAT level is preferred
• Advanced training or experience with labortary animals is highly desirable
• Flexibility and skill in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working with pathogens under Biosafety level 2 or higher biocontainment

Pay Range

Minimum $24.00, Midpoint $28.55, Maximum $33.10
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.