Material Support and Animal Technician

• Full-Time, Continuing opportunity
• Based at La Trobe University’s Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
• Salary range $70,957 - $75,072 plus 17% superannuation 
• Be part of a passionate and innovative team

About the position

La Trobe University is home to a dynamic community of researchers producing world-class research with an impact on society. The La Trobe Animal Research and Teaching Facility (LARTF) is a Research Platform that provides the expertise, infrastructure, and technical support required to facilitate the diverse range of research activities involving animals at La Trobe University.

A full-time position as Material Support and Animal Technician at LARTF will be located at La Trobe’s Melbourne campus in Bundoora. The technician will perform duties encompassing animal husbandry, providing essential material supplies to work areas, conducting stock inventory, material/animal transfers between work areas, animal health monitoring, and technical support according to documented procedures.

The appointee will have a high level of skill and capability in routine activities and deliver a consistently high standard of technical support and animal care, supported by Senior LARTF team members as required. The duties and responsibilities in the position may vary according to operational needs as animal species, number and the type of research being supported within the facility change over time.

Duties

• Operating cage washing and processing equipment, autoclave and other equipment, ensuring the appropriate start-up and shutdown procedures are followed; utilising equipment safely following correct procedures to ensure high-quality sanitisation of animal housing, associated furnishings and other materials.
• Maintenance of breeding and/or experimental animal colonies in accordance with the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, Gene Technology Regulations, La Trobe Policy and Procedures and LARTF work instructions.
• Exercising judgment on workflow and methods within specified timeframes and standard practices and procedures to complete the workload assigned.
• Operating as an individual, organising and planning their own work activities to achieve LARTF’s objectives and maintain and improve efficiency.
• Undertaking cleaning and maintenance of multiple support or work areas, ensuring appropriate techniques and chemicals are used to sanitise all surfaces. Work safely as per facility processes and procedures at all times.
• Resolving issues/problems/queries independently and provide advice on routine matters to ensure that efficient, day-to-day customer service is delivered. Recommend alternative sources of information/courses of action where appropriate, exercising judgement in referring issues/problems to supervisor/manager.

Skills and Experience

To be considered for this position, you will have;

• Diploma of Animal Technology or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training. Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in animal research.
• Skills and experience with various animals used in research and teaching, demonstrating sound knowledge of animal husbandry, breeding, health and welfare monitoring, and technical procedures. Experience with genetically modified rodent colonies and zebrafish will be highly regarded.
• Skills and experience with various equipment used in animal research facilities such as cage washer, steriliser/autoclave, bottle washer/filler and other stations.
• Working knowledge of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, 8th ed. (2013).
• Depth and breadth of knowledge and technical skills relevant to species used and research activities are undertaken in animal-based research.
• Ability to provide factual advice requiring proficiency in work area rules and regulations.
• Quality, appropriateness, and timeliness of advice in response to enquiries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to organise own and others’ activities to meet objectives.
• Ability to contribute to procedures and systems within the work area to improve efficiency and service quality. Be willing to learn new skills and acquire knowledge.
• Relevant experience demonstrating good communication skills, including verbal, written, listening, interpreting and nonverbal skills.
• A flexible attitude to work and an ability to accommodate and adapt to change.
• A high standard of organisation and time management skills, including prioritising competing demands on time.
• Demonstrated capacity to consistently undertake work to a high standard and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good working knowledge of computer programs such as Word and Excel and familiarity with maintaining animal records using a database.

Please refer to the Position Description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below: 

https://f.io/KDo0ceng

Benefits:

• 17% employer contributed superannuation
• On site child care facilities
• Staff development and training
• Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses

How to apply

Closing date:  By 11:55pm Sunday, 11th August 2024

Position Enquiries:  Tanmay Shekhar - Manager, LARTF Operations

Email: [email protected]

Position Description below:

 PD-HEO4-Material Support and Animal Technician.pdf

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• Cover letter, including a paragraph outlining your suitability for the position based on information outlined in the PD; and
• An up to date resume

Please scroll down to apply.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.

All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005.  If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.