What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Research Technician position at Planet Pharma?
CONTRACT
Job Description:
Performs animal husbandry and health care in accordance with experimental protocol and Animal Welfare Act/Regulations, NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, company policies and Veterinary Sciences standard operating procedures, and the fundamental requirements for AAALAC accreditation. In addition, this individual assists with scientific procedures in accordance with study protocols, completes and maintains appropriate documentation associated with all job assignments, and provides equipment sanitation and facility maintenance. This individual will work in an animal research laboratory setting under Biosafety Level 1 and 2 conditions. This person may provide guidance to junior team members as delegated by the Site Veterinarian or Group/Team Leader. In addition, they may serve as site representative on site-specific committees and workgroups.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Complies with applicable regulations and company policies. Documents and maintains records of animal care, preventive medicine, USDA-required, and study protocol-driven documents. Provides animal husbandry and care including provision of feed, water, and enrichment materials. Maintains, adjusts, and repairs animal pens, feeders, drinking systems, and livestock handling equipment. Performs cleaning and sanitation of animal rooms and equipment. May provide supervision of junior team members upon delegation from Group/Team Leader or site management.
- Restrains and manipulates animals for routine and emergency procedures. Recognizes when animals are sick, distressed or otherwise abnormal and communicates these observations to the Site Veterinarian or Group/Team Leader. Conducts daily animal health and welfare assessments. Administers treatment to animals at the direction of the Site Veterinarian or delegate.
- Conducts scientific clinical observations and disease outcome assessments. May administer experimental treatment articles in accordance with study protocols. Records all scientific information on documents provided with study protocols or standard department forms as appropriate.
- Under supervision, may administer and monitor sedation, and may conduct euthanasia in accordance with study protocols and at direction of Site Veterinarian or delegate.
- May perform site biosecurity functions including water system sanitation, bagged feed and fomite decontamination, and environmental auditing sample collection.
- Assists with clinical R&D sample collection pre- and post-mortem in accordance with study protocols and direction of Investigator or delegate. Sample types may include but are not limited to blood, feces, oral fluids, nasal, tonsillar, or laryngeal swabs, tissues, etc. Assists with necropsies at direction of Site Veterinarian or delegate.
Skills:
- Physical Demands / Surroundings - This position requires the ability to work in extreme environments (hot, cold, noisy, humid, etc.) with a high priority focused on biosecurity, attention to detail, and timeliness. Individual must demonstrate persistence and energy in a dynamic, fast-paced, and demanding work environment. Some heavy lifting is required, and must be able to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently. Travel outside of local area is rarely required. Must be willing to work directly with animals during ante-mortem and post-mortem procedures. This person must not have allergies to animals or livestock/feed dust.
- Visual Demands – Must be able to read and see clearly. Prescription eye wear is allowed.
- Temperament / Mental Requirements - Must be able to maintain even temperament when working with livestock. Position requires willingness to learn at a rapid pace. Individual must be results oriented, cooperative, and a systematic thinker. Must be able to work in a multi-disciplinary matrix environment and value the importance of teamwork. Must exhibit sound judgment and analytical thinking. This person must demonstrate ability to manage processes, projects, and to function well in a team or committee role.
Education:
- This position requires a High School diploma or equivalent degree (GED).
