Animal Research Technician III

Job Description

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned.
• Cares for the animals used in research and development studies.
• Performs duties related to the maintenance of experimental animals such as feeding and caring for animals, cleaning cages, holding animals for treatment by laboratory technician or maintaining inventory and animal identification records.
• Performs cleaning/sanitation of animal facility and equipment.
• Responsible for bio-safety and bio-security of the animals.
• May partner with pre-clinical investigators to assist and support veterinarians with surgery, dosing, post-op care and monitoring of animal studies.

Technician Support Career Stream:

• Provides technical support in areas such as production, operations, maintenance, safety, testing, process improvement or product development.
• Uses schematics, diagrams, written and verbal descriptions or defined plans to perform testing and troubleshooting on electronic or mechanical components, equipment or systems.
• Gathers, maintains, formats, compiles, and manipulates technical data using established formulae and procedures, and performs detailed mathematical calculations.
• For higher levels, may suggest and/or make improvements to optimize work processes.

Differentiating Factors Autonomy:

• Seasoned individual contributor, working under limited supervision, and providing assistance and training to lower level employees.
• Runs minor projects, including performing tests, interpreting data, developing reports.

Organizational Impact:

• Performs technical activities requiring considerable judgment and may have ownership of minor projects.
• Work consists of technical tasks that are typically not routine.

Innovation and Complexity:

• Technical problems faced are general, and may require some analysis to understand and resolve.
• Expected to independently propose solutions to problems for supervisor review.
• Communication and Influence: Communicates typically with internal contacts.
• Obtains and provides technical information on matters of moderate importance to the job area.
• Leadership and Talent Management: Responsible for providing guidance, coaching and training to other employees within job area.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Requires complete and broad knowledge of systems, techniques, tools and procedures typically obtained through prior related work experience, training, and/or education.
• Requires 3+ years of relevant technical experience, which may include a combination of practical experience and applicable training, education, or certification.
• No minimum education requirement.
• Some countries/ jobs may require vocational training and/or certification.

 Required Education:

• Associates Degree as a Veterinary Technician; or Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. Animal Science, Veterinary.
• Technology, or Biology); or certification in related field (Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Nursing) with 4+ years hands on experience.
• Years of Experience.
• 4+ years relevant animal research/animal care.
• Specialized Knowledge or Skills Required.
• A positive attitude about the use of animals in research.
• Knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia.
• Knowledge and experience in post-operative care, critical patient care, and pain management.
• Veterinary technical skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of anesthesia and patient monitoring equipment.
• Knowledge of animal and human disease states.
• Knowledge of cardiovascular and neuro systems in a variety of species.
• Knowledge of imaging systems (X-Ray, MRI, CT, fluoroscopy, ultrasound).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understand and be committed to the Mission and PRL Vision and Values.
• Know and maintain compliance with GLP, FDA, USDA, AAALAC, IACUC, and all other applicable regulations and guidelines as they apply to the non-clinical research environment.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures, work instructions, department guidelines, policies, and study protocols when completing the following:
• Animal Husbandry.
• Animal Handling.
• Animal Observation.
• Documentation.
• Data Collection.
• Housekeeping.
• Stocking Supplies.
• Maintaining/Operate Equipment.
• Cage Room Rotation.
• Medication Calculation and Administration.
• Animal Treatments.
• Patient Care and Pain Management.
• Sample Collection.
• Pre and Post Operative Care.
• Animal Recovery.
• Monitor Support.

Participate in the overall function of the Research Operations department which may include:

• late shift coverage.
• animal/employee training.
• study support.
• process improvement processes.
• support of department goals.
• facilitate meetings.
• Weekend and holiday shift coverage is a requirement of this position.
• Perform computer and clerical functions to ensure organized and accurate reporting of animal observations, tasks, and data collection.
• The Technician III position is expected to assist the team in the completion of daily tasks as individual dudes are completed.
• Maintain professional growth and development.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

Expected Position Results:

• Appropriate care and husbandry for the applicable species.
• Appropriate patient, pre/post operative, and pain management care.
• Accurate documentation and data collection.
• Collaborate with team to ensure tasks are completed.
• AALAS Certification at the ALAT, LAT, or LATG level.