Careers

Responsibilities of the Animal Facility Specialist/Animal Floor Supervisor for the NICHD, Animal Care and Research Support Services contract is to supervise animal care technicians and ensure all activities for the proper care and maintenance of facility animals are carried out according to SOPs and governmental standards.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

*All employees are expected to perform their duties as assigned, arrive to work at 7:00am and depart at 3:30pm M-F. In addition, you will be expected to work extra hours during an emergency or if any unexpected situation arises until work is complete.

Requirements:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent
2. AALAS Certification at the LATG Level is preferred.
3. 3 years of experience in a laboratory animal facility.
4. Fundamental knowledge of supervision and management.
5. Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records, and be skilled in communication, writing and organization skills are required.
6. General use of Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Primary duties may include the following:

1. Responsible for all activities required for the proper care and maintenance of the animals.
2. Ensure that animals are cared for and maintained in accordance with the Animal Welfare Regulations, U.S. Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
3. Supervise and direct daily activities of project staff to ensure that all required functions are carried out appropriately, including receiving animals, shipping animals, feeding and watering, sanitation and cleaning, handling and restraint, health surveillance, equipment maintenance, supply inventories, animal inventory, laboratory / technical procedures, and other contract-related duties.
4. Follow-up on staff schedules to meet routine and emergency needs of the animals.

• Develop various spreadsheets as needed by contract or government personnel.
• Ensure that all SOPs, quality assurance guidelines, and protocols are adhered to.
• Always think and promote safety first when performing daily duties.
• Report to Project Management or appropriate personnel any abnormal conditions of the animals, or the animal facility, or immediate vicinity.
• Provide oral or written reports, records, charts, logs, schedules, and inventories to the Project Management as requested or required by the contract.
• Order and maintain supply and equipment inventories.
• Ensure that all equipment is up to date with certifications and/ or calibrations.
• Communicate needs for facility equipment, logistical support, and management to the Project Managers.
• Assist in contract activities, as necessary, to complete the work required.
• Receive and execute notices, directions, and instructions from the Project Management.
• Provide service and advice to investigators on executing their protocols.
• Participate in staff meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Operations Management or the Government Animal Program Coordinator.

JOB TITLE:         Veterinary Technician III

Summary

Under the direction of the Sr. Veterinary Technician or Facility Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician III shall primarily be responsible for daily rounds, preliminary health exams of sick animals prior to reporting to the Facility Veterinarian, examination of incoming animals, assistance with the animal surveillance program, training and execution of technical procedures, and coordinating facility service requests between subordinate staff and researchers.  This person must be knowledgeable of Veterinary Medical terminology and trained in animal treatment and nursing of NHPs.

Requirements

Employee must have a high school diploma and meet one of the following:  AA degree in Veterinary Technology, AALAS certification LAT, or experience working with animals in biomedical research (preferred) or companion animal practice and be eligible to take the LATG certification.

Duties:

• Provide a customer service attitude.
• Communicate with the veterinarians, researchers, and colleagues on the proper care and support of animals.
• Provide care to research animals, performing health observations, and providing veterinary care as directed, reporting problems or abnormalities to the Attending Veterinarian and lead technician(s).
• Administer drugs or treatments to animals, as directed, including the calculation of dosage, and recording of drug use in Controlled Drug logs or animal clinical records.
• Knowledge of intensive care and monitoring equipment including, but not limited to intravenous fluid therapy delivery system; intensive care cages used for physiological homeostasis by maintaining environmental parameters; Datascope ECG monitoring by telemetry; pulse oximetry and blood gas monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of intubation, vital monitoring, and triage of NHPs. 
• Assist positioning animals for examination or treatment.
• Ensure that records, logbooks, and other clinical and records are appropriately and contemporaneously maintained.
• Coordinate work schedules between researchers and management.
• Assist in experimental planning and logistics/scheduling requirements.
• Assist the Sr. Veterinary Technician in anticipating and planning for changing workloads and schedules.
• Seek and provide specialized training or cross training to maximize delivery of services.
• Identify and report potential problem areas related to animal use, care, health, or problems with facilities or equipment which might be hazardous to animals or personnel.
• Assure that procedures and practices involving the program of animal care are appropriate for the continued maintenance of AAALAC accreditation of the animal facility.
• Ensure all safety requirements are met.
• Monitoring and executing the sentinel animal program.
• Help perform Quality Compliance checks within facilities.
• Maintain a broad general knowledge and competence in lab animal husbandry and technical procedures Maintain a current knowledge of existing and proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting the care and use of animals at the NIH.
• Perform routine animal husbandry and cage wash functions as needed during emergencies.
• Open to other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

1. Handling and manipulating animals.
2. Literate in written and spoken English.
3. Experience in an animal facility or previous skills working in a Veterinary Clinic.
4. Knowledgeable in PC applications including Word documents and spreadsheets.

JOB TITLE:                  Animal Facility Manager

SUMMARY:  The Animal Facility Manager will ensure the contract is managed and oversight provided to all staff.  The Animal Facility Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the vivarium and support areas. They must take ownership of area operations and error resolution to ensure that daily obligations are completed. They will maintain budgets, reports, performance records, are area documentation.  Submitting all required documentation to maintain specific requirements. They are responsible for the coaching, directing, teaching and performance correction of all personnel. The Animal Facility Manager will maintain a professional business appearance and demeanor while performing or attending business functions.  

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

Work Assignments are based on work requirements to meet the contract needs, which may include the following duties:

• Provide competent and reasonable direction and oversight to all positions at the facility.
• Provide periodic after-hours care as required.
• Successfully organize and manage multiple rodent and large animal colonies and support areas.
• Knowledge in operations (ABSLI-II), management, and facility maintenance of AAALAC accredited facilities.
• Knowledge of intensive care and monitoring equipment.
• Knowledge of intubation, vital monitoring, and triage of large animals.  
• Create and maintain reports, forms, budgets, and communications utilizing a computer and software, i.e., Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Establishing liaison and communicating with the animal care staff, veterinarians, and research staff.
• Create action plans to manage the Task work, provide staff with the proper resources to perform, report and submit required contract documentation to maintain task specific requirements.
• Fundamental knowledge of medical terminology, administrative management, and human resources, and recruiting.
• Design, plan and organize disaster preparedness documentation emergency procedures for government closures.
• Responsible to set, adjust, report and monitor performance goals and standards.
• Knowledge and skills in recruiting, retention methods and performance management of employees.
• Ensure health and safety training guidelines are being instructed and followed.
• Assuring that personnel adhere to security procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Assisting when requested, in experimental planning and logistics and scheduling of projects. 
• Demonstrate use of good leadership, team building and management skills, setting an example, professional communication, counseling, conflict resolution.
• Plan and control of staff resources on the floor or area to assure coverage of all tasks.
• Conduct Quality Assurance inspections.
• Assure compliance with facility SOP’s, and Federal and Local laws.
• Supporting and maintaining the established employee training program which includes documenting employee progress and deficiencies.
• Oversight and awareness of each team member’s strengths and technical abilities, identifying areas requiring additional training or expertise to broaden the scope of support services available.
• Maintain a current knowledge of existing and proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting the care and use of animals.
• Maintaining a broad general knowledge and competence in lab animal science husbandry, technical procedures, and facility management.
• Assuring that personnel are aware of and compliant with policies, regulations, safety, and security procedures.
• Monitor and report overtime to university management.
• Any duties or task as delegated from Program Management or government management.

SUPERVISES:

1. All Task employees

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

1. High School diploma or GED and A.A. degree in related field, B.S. in Biology or Animal Science preferred at the PM Level
2. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level preferred with at least 4-6 years supervisory or management experience in an animal facility.
3. Specialized knowledge and skill in multiple species as it pertains to husbandry, care, and housing requirements.
4. Ability to proficiently operate intensive care and monitoring equipment for all laboratory animals.
5. Ability to manage and supervise multiple and complex labor categories.
6. Business command of the English language both written and spoken.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to lift 50 pounds                Sometimes

Lifting                                                   Most of the time

Bending                                                Most of the time

Walking                                                Most of the time

Standing                                               Most of the time

Stooping                                               Most of the time

Kneeling                                               Sometimes

Sitting                                                   Sometimes

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Floor Supervisor the Animal Care Technician shall have demonstrated knowledge and skill in handling animals, especially dogs, pigs and Non-human Primates.  They shall be able to recognize the appearance of abnormal animals and be able to maintain a clean environment for all animals. In addition, this person will also be responsible for assisting investigators, keeping appropriate records, and providing supplies when requested. The Animal Care Technician shall maintain accurate room logs and maintain the cleanliness of the facility.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
2. Must have AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification or one year’ experience in a laboratory animal facility, animal hospital, zoo, or related animal field.  All Animal Care Technician’s shall train and become ALAT certified within one year of employment. 
3. Candidates must possess an excellent command of the English language both written and verbal in order to effectively communicate with investigators and other staff members daily.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

Essential Duties:

• Provide animal care and husbandry services, including but not limited to:  feeding and watering animals; handling and restraint of animals, cage and bedding changeouts; cleaning and sanitizing animal rooms, hallways, ancillary equipment; monitoring environmental parameters as required; assessing the presence of vermin and effectiveness of control efforts; performing animal health checks; assisting in the local delivery and transport of animals; assisting in the inspection ad storage of feed and bedding materials; performing minor equipment and facility maintenance.
• Observe and report any abnormalities in animals, equipment, or facilities to the floor supervisor or the Project Manager.
• Perform husbandry, restraint, and environmental monitoring tasks in accordance with established NIH SOPs
• Ensure that procedures and practices involving the program of animal care are appropriate for the continued maintenance of AAALACi accreditation of the NIH facilities.
• Adhere to security procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Assist, when requested, in experimental planning and logistics and scheduling of projects.
• Participate in the ongoing employee training program, with special emphasis on safety and health training, safe work practices, and use of personal protective equipment.
• Perform job tasks and duties in compliance with NIH “Guide”, facility policies, regulations, safety, and security procedures.
• Perform work in compliance with applicable safety requirements.
• Adhere to equipment sanitation and sterilization schedules.
• Ensure that records, logbooks and other project records are appropriately and contemporaneously maintained.
• Comply with the QA/QC program.
• Recommend changes in operational procedures that might increase the efficiency or effectiveness of work procedures or practices.

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

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

ANIMAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (Richland, MI) Candidate will work with companion animals, specifically feline. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, college degree in Animal Science preferred but not required, and at least two years experience in Biological Research working on in a laboratory animal facility with companion animals. Candidate should have experience working in ABSL1-2 facilities, collecting raw data, clinical observations, administering body weights, animal restraint, record keeping, dosing, and processing data utilizing “Good Laboratory Practices”. Candidate should have experience with biological processing (bloods and other fluids), interface with different departments on a daily basis, histology experience, blood collection and previous research experience is a plus. Candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up of heavy caging. Must be able to lift 40 lbs to 60 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods. Be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary, and maintain good customer relations. Demonstrated math and reading comprehension and good oral and written communication skills are required, good organizational skills Self starter (motivated) Independent worker. Demonstrated computer skills preferred. This is a full-time position from the hours of Monday – Friday, some weekend and holiday hours maybe required. Qualified applicant will be expected to complete and pass an employee background check, regulated drug screen and physical prior to being hired. Job ID: ART-rMI

Candidate will work with livestock, must have a high school diploma or equivalent, college degree in Animal Science preferred but not required, and at least two years experience in Biological Research working on in a Bio-containment facility with livestock specifically cattle, goat, sheep and swine. The preferred candidate would have experience with farm equipment operation such as driving a skid steer/loader. Candidate should have experience working in ABSL1-2 facilities, collecting raw data, clinical observations, administering body weights, animal restraint, record keeping, dosing, and processing data utilizing “Good Laboratory Practices”. Candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up of heavy caging. Must be able to lift 40 lbs to 60 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods. Be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary, and maintain good customer relations. Demonstrated math and reading comprehension and good oral and written communication skills are required, good organizational skills Self starter (motivated) Independent worker. Demonstrated computer skills preferred. This is a full-time position from the hours of Monday – Friday, some weekend and holiday hours maybe required. Qualified applicant will be expected to complete and pass an employee background check, regulated drug screen and physical prior to being hired.

Position Title: Department Coordinator

Department: Research Resources – LAR Business Office

Reports To: Business Manager

Position Summary: The Office of Research Resources is seeking a departmental coordinator to support our mission, customers, and staff. The Department Coordinator in the Research Resources Department is responsible for supporting various administrative and financial functions. This role involves coordinating invoicing, resolving billing discrepancies, managing census data, analyzing data, and maintaining financial records. The coordinator will also oversee communications with vendors, manage preventative maintenance contracts, handle purchase order requisitions, and approve larger invoices. The position will directly report to the Business Manager and work on various tasks assigned by the management team.

Key Responsibilities:

Department Support: The coordinator will manage census data, ensuring its accuracy and completeness. This includes verifying and managing data, as well as reporting on financials, revenue, and expenses. They will also maintain up-to-date PI protocol information and serve as the a point of contact for vendors, managing communications and maintaining positive relationships. Additionally, the coordinator will oversee preventative maintenance contracts to ensure timely and efficient service.

Financial Administration: The coordinator will handle the invoicing process, resolve billing discrepancies, and ensure timely payment of invoices. They will maintain accurate financial records, including procurement, orders, and billing details, and analyze financial data to support budgeting and financial planning as well as monthly invoicing. The role also involves handling purchase order requisitions and approving larger invoices in accordance with departmental policies.

Other Administrative Duties: The coordinator will ensure compliance with university policies and industry standards for data retention and financial management. They will prepare and present regular reports on financial status, procurement activities, and other relevant metrics. Additionally, the coordinator will provide training and support to staff on financial procedures and the use of the EMS system, and assist with the coordination of departmental projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Performance Standards: Follow up all tasks from beginning to completion. Use Outlook, TEAMS, and other organizational tools to organize tasks and emails. Purchase order, invoice payment coordination, reimbursements, receiving, and purchasing card procedures are completed accurately and in a timely manner.  Assigned responsibilities are performed in accordance with established deadlines and university policies. Provide status updates to supervisors, investigators, and staff. Prioritize financial tasks according to deadlines from the business manager. Exhibits a willingness to assume additional responsibilities and increase knowledge, skills, and abilities; seek guidance from supervisor prior to beginning a new assignment if needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within an academic or research setting.
• Must have a high level of proficiency with technology and the Microsoft Office suite applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Also, ability to learn new software applications as needed.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Ability to complete detailed assignments by assigned deadlines and to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (oral and written).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Requires initiative, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential data and the ability to prioritize.
• Willingness to assume additional responsibilities and other duties as assigned.
• Ability to follow up with tasks from beginning to completion.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, ability to open packages and materials, and move furniture for set-up of events and meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with EMS systems and knowledge of animal research protocols.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Intermediate to advanced Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in an academic or research environment.
• Familiarity with university policies and compliance requirements.

ANIMAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (Kalamazoo, MI) Candidate will work with companion animals, specifically feline. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, college degree in Animal Science preferred but not required, and at least two years experience in Biological Research working on in a laboratory animal facility with companion animals. Candidate should have experience working in ABSL1-2 facilities, collecting raw data, clinical observations, administering body weights, animal restraint, record keeping, dosing, and processing data utilizing “Good Laboratory Practices”. Candidate should have experience with biological processing (bloods and other fluids), interface with different departments on a daily basis, histology experience, blood collection and previous research experience is a plus. Candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up of heavy caging. Must be able to lift 40 lbs to 60 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods. Be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary, and maintain good customer relations. Demonstrated math and reading comprehension and good oral and written communication skills are required, good organizational skills Self starter (motivated) Independent worker. Demonstrated computer skills preferred. This is a full-time position from the hours of Monday – Friday, some weekend and holiday hours maybe required. Qualified applicant will be expected to complete and pass an employee background check, regulated drug screen and physical prior to being hired. Job ID: ART-MI

*Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required for all Priority One positions.

Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED and must have at least two years experience working with animals in a laboratory animal facility.  A diploma in a related science field or equivalent is desired. AALAS certification is preferred and laboratory animal experience is required. Salary will be commensurate with experience and AALAS certification level. Preferred skills include experience with:  animal care and husbandry, cagewash procedures, minor technical procedures, multiple species a plus, and recording keeping. “Applicant may be required  to travel to different facilities in Maryland basically; Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and Laurel" Applicant must be reliable, able to work independently, and interact professionally with the research staff. Applicant must be flexible and learn quickly; be able to stand for prolong periods, bend, reach, and climb. Demonstrated math and reading comprehension and good English oral and written communication skills are required.