Research Associate

BASIC SUMMARY:
Conducts in vivo study work in rodents for multiple clients to support research programs. Collaborates with the veterinary staff to ensure that the health and welfare of laboratory animals are maintained in compliance with local, state, federal and institutional guidelines, and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Able to perform and obtain competency/proficiency in the following techniques, at minimum:
o Handle and restrain animals using appropriate procedures
o Formulation and dosing calculations
o Dosing and inoculation of test articles via basic techniques ( e.g., oral gavage, intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, etc.)
o Basic tissue (e.g; spleen, liver, etc.) and blood collection (e.g, cardiac puncture, intravenous, etc.)
o In-life monitoring of the study animals for body weights, clinical observations, tumor measurements, etc.
• Comply with all SOPs, BOPs and CRADL standards pertaining to in vivo studies utilizing laboratory animals for research.
• Monitors animal health and welfare while performing technical procedures.
• Perform study preparation activities, including but not limited to, IACUC and study protocol review, collection tube labeling, and room setup.
• Conduct laboratory procedures in compliance with approved IACUC protocols and study plans.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment with guidance (e.g. Isoflurane machine, IVIS, Irradiator, and others).
• Disposal of biological, hazardous, and animal facility waste following established procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date lab records/ documentation while assuring quality and data integrity.
• Document experimental data as requested by clients in technical notebooks or approved electronic files.
• Perform humane euthanasia in accordance with the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the AVMA Guide on Euthanasia, and under the direction of the attending veterinarian, or designee.
• Report non-compliance or animal welfare concerns to the appropriate Animal Welfare Team member or IACUC office.
• Collaborate with other personnel within and across teams/departments to facilitate completion of assignments.
• Assist in maintaining clean work areas and lab supply inventory.
• Attend and participates in on-the-job and classroom training sessions, complete all assigned computer-based safety and professional development training by the pre-determined due dates.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisor/ leadership and assists in reporting procedural deficiencies and issues.
• Assist Vet Techs and Veterinarians with follow-up checks, treatments and procedure if needed.
• Maintain the required attendance level and adherence to work schedule. Accommodate varying workload and work on weekends, holidays and/or evening when needed.
• Perform other duties as directed by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Education/Experience/Certification/Licensure: Must have one of the following:
o GED or High School Diploma AND either 1) a minimum of 2+ years of laboratory animal experience or 2) Certification from AALAS, at minimum Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT). Basic in vivo technical skills preferred.
o Associate degree (A.A./A.S.) or Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in animal or laboratory science or related discipline AND a minimum of six – twelve (6-12) months of laboratory animal experience required. Basic in vivo technical skills preferred. Certification from AALAS, such as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and certifications may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Possess knowledge and general understanding of animal welfare regulations (including the Guide and PHS Policy), and of the importance of ethical use of animals in research.
• Working knowledge of animal husbandry and/or background in lab animal research.
• Ability to perform effectively with supervision under conditions of fluctuating workloads and prioritize job duties with guidance.
• Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions, exhibit interpersonal skills that are conducive to effective communication and contribute to a congenial work environment.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a professional manner with clients, customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Working knowledge of laboratory animal or study specific equipment and supplies, including autoclave, IVIS, irradiators, caging systems, biosecurity such as personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and biological or chemical hazard requirements.
• Ability to demonstrate strong teamwork orientation, strong organizations skills, attention to detail and superior customer-service focus.
• Must demonstrate accountability and ethics in the performance of daily responsibilities.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office Suite and database systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to move about inside the facility, communicate and operate a computer. The employee is routinely required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls repetitevly; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up 100 pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to laboratory animals and caging of various species including mice, rats, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, biohazard materials/agents.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and risk of electrical shock.
• Work with animal species including rodents with risk of exposure to animal allergens, zoonotic disease, and biohazards.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

COMMENTS:
• Normally 40 hours per week. Will be required to work independently and regularly on weekends, later than core hours, during inclement weather events and/or holidays to complete duties. The hours may be implemented in a sliding workweek such as Sunday through Thursday, or Tuesday through Saturday, as needed.

Pay ranges between $28-32/hr based on experience