Summary

NEI Research Specialist II/Research Support Technician

Priority One Services is seeking applicants to support a lab within the National Eye Institute. Candidate must demonstrate a working knowledge of veterinary technology, animal science, rodent breeding colony techniques, and transgenic animal production techniques. Knowledge or experience in gnotobiotic husbandry is a plus.  The position requires a highly motivated individual who pays close attention to detail and has excellent communication and documentation skills. Formal education shall include a minimum of an bachelor’s degree or a combination of an Associate’s degree and practical lab experience. Certification as an AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) preferred. Other certification or degrees may be considered.  Must have at least 5 years of rodent experience in laboratory animal facilities. Must be able to work independently, communicate well, problem solve, and work closely with supervisor as part of a team. Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s license. The position will involve evening and weekend work. We are ideally looking for someone able to work an alternative work schedule.

Requirements

Formal education shall include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or a combination of an associate degree and practical lab experience. Certification as an AALAS Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) preferred. Other certification or degrees may be considered.  Must have at least 5 years of rodent experience in laboratory animal facilities. Must be able to work independently, communicate well, problem solve, and work closely with supervisor as part of a team. Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s license. The position will involve evening and weekend work. We are ideally looking for someone able to work an alternative work schedule.

Experience must demonstrate:

• Ability to be/become proficient in technical Skills (e.g. injections, euthanasia, tail biopsy, ear tagging, timed mating, biologic sample preparation, restraint).
• Ability to monitor the health and well-being of animals.
• Basic understanding and use of medical terminology.
• A working knowledge of computers, common computer programs (e.g. excel, word, PowerPoint etc.). Must be able to use e-mail and demonstrate ability to communicate using written and spoken English.
• Ability to collect data and accurately enter the information in records in compliance with appropriate protocols, supervisor’s instructions, SOP’s, and NIH guidelines.
• Ability to work with rodents (mice, rats).
• Handling and restraint of animals for observation and/or minor procedures.
• Ability to monitor and perform rodent breeding colony management techniques.
• Ability to assist investigators or perform technical procedures in the laboratory as time permits.
• Knowledge or experience in gnotobiotic husbandry.
• Ability to work autonomously and independently while managing time efficiently
• Must be a quick learner and maintain a high level of professionality and focus

Duties:

 The responsibilities of the ICD technician shall include but are not limited to the following:

• Able to perform all duties of the Animal Caretaker III as requested by IC.
• Delivering mice and tail biopsy samples to investigators on campus.
• Oversight of the mouse database.
• Setting up breeder cages and performing plug checks on rodents.
• Communicate on regular basis with investigators
• Meet with team leader on a daily basis.
• Trouble shooting breeding and technological issues.
• Animal movement coordinator
• Colony maintenance manager
• Note: Additional Duties are required and are not listed here and are beyond the scope of this announcement. These duties will be reviewed during the interview process.

Hours:

Basic workweek of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace.  Hours dictated by the institutional research schedule, weekend and holiday work maybe required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist facility or animal health related emergencies. Potential to provide weekend coverage if there is short staffing and unable to find replacements. 

Physical Requirements:

Lifting/Moving Requirements:

Light work; lifting to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 10 pounds, applying up to 10 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

Environmental Conditions:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area.  However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities.  Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.