Associate - Research Operations B7 I - USA

Vivarium Operations Associate I

Location: Cambridge, MA (Onsite)

Shift timings: 7AM to 3 PM EST (Monday to Sunday) Days are not fixed

Job Purpose: This role is an experienced animal care and vivarium operations position responsible for supporting research by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, vivarium operational service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.

Major Accountabilities:

• Principally responsible for daily husbandry to animals (predominantly rodents, some small animal USDA), clinical observations, maintenance of the animal facilities (sanitation of animal rooms & equipment), receipt of incoming animals & supplies, fulfilling research requests, animal transfers and relocations.
• Often responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines.
• Maintenance of relevant facility/animal records.
• Make independent decisions regarding operational standards/situations.
• Responsible for pursuing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.
• Driven by the needs of our scientific partner/collaborator, limited routine technical procedures on animals may also be assigned.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be required.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Provide consistent and high quality on-site animal care and vivarium maintenance
• Effectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable operational skills as required
• Team oriented and interactive. Foster peer/team development and performance
• Strong attention to completion of tasks in an efficient/consistent manner
• Continuously support Vivarium Operations Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Continuously pursue educational and professional development opportunities to enhance and expand relevant skills and knowledge
• Identify and resolve on-site vivarium operational issues/challenges
• Execute detail-specific operational support

Ideal Background:

• Education: GED or High School degree required, 2-year degree in Veterinary Technology, 4-year Science degree, or a combination of experience with higher education preferred
• ALAT Certification desirable or pursued after start
• Working knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPs
• Thorough understanding and comprehension of operational standards, processes, equipment, etc. as they relate to operational responsibilities
• Clearance: HORUS clearance and an N95 respirator fit test are required before the selected contractor can start the contract.
• Languages: English
• Experience: Strong experience (2 4 years) working with animals or performing animal husbandry in a research setting.

Competency Profile:

• Characteristics:
• Strong commitment to providing humane, consistent, and high quality daily care to research animals
• Strong interpersonal skills (transparency, professionalism, communication)
• Strong sense of personal accountability, reliability and integrity
• Team-oriented and interactive. Fosters peer/team development and performance.
• Organized, effective time management, detail-oriented, thorough and consistent
• Ability to independently identify and resolve standard vivarium operational issues/challenges
• Self-starter requiring no daily oversight
• Open to supporting transitional operations and schedule changes
• Committed to professional development and continuous learning
• Knowledge:
• Thorough knowledge of animal care expectations/responsibilities
• Knowledge of facility operational parameters and standards
• Recognition of typical/atypical animal health and behaviors
• Effective time management/prioritization for operational expectations/responsibilities
• Knowledge of Federal, state and local Animal Welfare regulations and recommendations
• Skills/Abilities:
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal required, presentation desirable)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook required, database use desirable
• Able to lift 50 lbs., move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged periods and perform repetitive motion tasks
• Able to perform standard animal care responsibilities. Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather