Technician CMU

The Children's National Research Institute Comparative Medicine Unit (CMU) Technician is responsible for providing a clean and sterilized living environment for research animals. The position will maintain the cleanliness of cagewash rooms and ancillary rooms following the CMU standard operating procedures. Clean and sanitize all animal caging and accessory equipment. The physical demands of this position require an individual with the ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for the majority of the work shift. Prepare clean cages with bedding. Dispose of all waste from the facility. Receive, store, and rotate animal care supplies. Maintain and perform routine repairs on caging and racks. Be capable of operating the following types of equipment: autoclaves, automated cage washing machines, bedding dispensers, bottle fillers, liquid proportioners, high-pressure/steam cleaning devices, etc. Perform routine preventative maintenance on the cage washers and autoclaves (e.g., checking and cleaning filters and roto-arms). Knowledge of detergent-disinfectant usage. Familiar with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals used in the work area. Complete other duties and husbandry as assigned. The workplace is a research facility. There is the potential for exposure to chemicals used to sanitize equipment and room surfaces, zoonotic diseases, and the possibility of being bitten, scratched, or kicked by animals. Allergic responses may develop to animal dander. The position is designated as "essential" and the individual may be expected to work when normal campus operations are suspended (e.g.: inclement weather) or if there is an emergency impacting the CMU. In addition, staff may be expected to work outside of the regular schedule during peak activity periods (e.g.: overtime, weekends). To the extent possible, managers will provide timely notice of modified work schedules. This entry-level position provides an opportunity to learn highly specialized laboratory animal research skills and grow within the professional field and the department.

Minimum Education
High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Ability to understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions.
Ability to perform within a team-oriented work environment.
Basic computer skills are required, including familiarity with navigating web-based applications.
Ability to read and write to maintain records, read instructions, labels, etc.
Ability to explain problems/issues and solutions.
Ability to understand and follow safety practices.
Ability to interact and work with faculty, students, staff, and visitors in a respectful and courteous manner.
Ability to work under environmental conditions that require the use of safety equipment.
Able to operate autoclaves, automated cage washing machines, bedding dispensers, bottle fillers, liquid proportioners, high-pressure/steam cleaning devices, etc.
Ability to lift 50lb and stand for an extended length of time.
Knowledge of detergent-disinfectant usage.
Ability to understand and be familiar with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals used in the work area.

Functional Accountabilities
Responsible Conduct of Research

• Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

• Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

• Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

• Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Husbandry Operations

• Cleans and sanitizes all animal caging and accessory equipment and prepares clean cages with bedding following approved SOPs.

• Maintains the cage washing area and assigned rooms in a clean, neat, and well-organized manner following approved SOPs.

• Disposes of waste from the facility following appropriate SOPs.

• Helps to receive, store, and rotate animal care supplies.

• Maintains and performs repairs on cage wash equipment, caging, and racks.

• Performs routine preventative maintenance on the cage washers and autoclaves (e.g., checking and cleaning filters, and roto-arms).

• Observe animals daily for signs of health; receive, examine, transfer, identify, and adequately house incoming animal shipments according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Provide adequate food and water for all assigned cages.

Communication

• Promptly notifies manager of broken equipment, room fluctuations of temperature and humidity, and low levels of necessary supplies.

• Completes and submits written records, charts, logs, and inventories as requested.
• Communicate with coworkers to determine the priority of cleaning specific equipment.
• Anticipate and respond to customer needs; follow up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others’ ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision-making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and take time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear, and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors, and co-workers

• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act, and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance