Lab Animal Technician I

Laboratory Animal or Cagewash Technician Assistant

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location: 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Department: 400170 Vivarium M&D

Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR URG 102 H

Compensation Range: $17.50 - $22.79

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Animal or Cagewash Technician Assistant will perform activities associated with the provision of routine husbandry services done in one or more animal housing rooms containing various species of laboratory animals. They will provide general and technical assistance to supervisors, investigators, animal health, and veterinary staff. Provides support to Vivarium common service areas or functions such as cagewash room, waste/trash removal, and sterile supply. Some assignments, though technically oriented, may require physical exertion.

Essential Functions

• Understands the critical role of the animal care or cagewash technician assistant as an integral member of the research team and the importance of their individual responsibility for the integrity of various aspects of research projects. Understands the detrimental consequences to research projects and animals that their failure to fulfill such responsibilities can entail. Utilizes knowledge and awareness of standards, requirements, and federal and state regulations. Provides all needed husbandry services for one or more species of laboratory animal. Assures that all standards and conditions pertinent to the proper care and maintenance of assigned species are met.
• Utilizes knowledge of normal behavior and physical condition to evaluate overall well-being of animals by observing them daily for signs of ill health or other abnormalities. Knowledgeable of factors and considerations involved in the transmission of animal diseases and the role of the animal care technician, animal health technician, and research staff in preventing such disease transmission.
• Reads, understands, and follows instructions contained in posted Standard Operating Procedures. Executes special instructions involving deviations from Standard Operating Procedures as they relate to animal health, biosecurity, cage sanitation, or veterinary care. Maintains records such as animal and supply inventories, animal room or cagewash logs, and special charges. May prepare special reports as requested. Knows the importance of individual animal and project identification and practices established methods to maintain accurate records. Determines the sex of all common laboratory animals (e.g. adults, juveniles, and neonates) and/or the housing biosecurity, sanitation and sterilization needs of all laboratory animals.
• Inspects and evaluates caging, physical plant, and other equipment for conditions affecting laboratory animal well-being and staff safety and reporting any problems. Follows through to assure that reported problems have been resolved.
• Knows and abides by the requirements pertaining to attendance as well as personal hygiene and institutional policies concerning to use of hazardous substances and the safe use of equipment.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience

• High school diploma or Graduate Equivalency Diploma required.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• General experience with animals in a work environment or a research environment preferred.

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