What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Research Supervisor position at Tulane University?
Summary
Supervises the daily operation of animal care facility or multiple small facilities. Assists investigative and veterinary staff. Observes animals for signs of illness, trauma, or social instability and reports abnormalities to the appropriate veterinary staff. Monitors the administration of special diets and medication. Supervises the maintenance of research animals, their cages, and facilities. Ensures that the facility complies with federal animal and research regulations. Maintains daily records pertaining to animal care. Complies with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals and power equipment. Monitors environmental conditions in animal housing facilities and inspects the condition of facilities and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation. Collects medical specimens. Trains and supervises animal care staff. Responsible for providing employee performance evaluations for supervised animal care staff.
Provides input for management of Animal Resources (staffing and practices). May be required to carry a cellphone and be on after hours call. Performs related responsibilities as required. Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific cautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents. Weekend work and overtime hours are a requirement of this position. Responsible for assessing and maintaining security of animals in their primary enclosure. May be designated as essential personnel during a storm/natural disaster. If required to work during a closure, employee must provide accurate and current contact information and is responsible for maintaining communication with TNPRC.
Failure to report to work when requested by supervisor or manager will result in disciplinary action as outlined by the Staff Handbook.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Supervises the daily operation of animal care facility or multiple small facilities. Assists investigative and veterinary staff. Observes animals for signs of illness, trauma, or social instability and reports abnormalities to the appropriate veterinary staff. Monitors the administration of special diets and medication. Supervises the maintenance of research animals, their cages, and facilities. Ensures that the facility complies with federal animal and research regulations. Maintains daily records pertaining to animal care. Complies with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations when working with hazardous chemicals, materials, animals and power equipment. Monitors environmental conditions in animal housing facilities and inspects the condition of facilities and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation. Collects medical specimens. Trains and supervises animal care staff. Responsible for providing employee performance evaluations for supervised animal care staff.
Provides input for management of Animal Resources (staffing and practices). May be required to carry a cellphone and be on after hours call. Performs related responsibilities as required. Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific cautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents. Weekend work and overtime hours are a requirement of this position. Responsible for assessing and maintaining security of animals in their primary enclosure. May be designated as essential personnel during a storm/natural disaster. If required to work during a closure, employee must provide accurate and current contact information and is responsible for maintaining communication with TNPRC.
Failure to report to work when requested by supervisor or manager will result in disciplinary action as outlined by the Staff Handbook.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Proven ability to follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to lift items weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Must have basic computer skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
- Must have the ability to work with nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species without jeopardizing the health of said nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species.
- The TNPRC maintains biosafety level 3 facilities and performs work on diverse infectious agents many of which can cause serious disease in humans if standard operating procedures, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment, are not followed
- Depending on agent specific risk assessments individuals maybe offered, or in some cases required to have vaccinations against the relevant agents
- If this position is assigned to work in ABSL3 containment areas there will be additional minimum requirements including some or all of the following:
- Must pass a US Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment for access to select biological agents and toxins
- Ability to perform job duties while wearing respiratory protection.
- Must participate in drug and alcohol program and be in compliance with TNPRC drug and alcohol policy
- Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.