Laboratory Animal Technician Lead - Comparative Medicine

Position Summary
Assists the supervisors with facility operations, vivarium equipment, and animal laboratory processes, oversight and support to the animal care program and the animal care technicians under the direction of the area supervisor. Assists the supervisor in the management of the animal care and husbandry program in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service, and University policies to assure a quality animal care program that supports the research and teaching at Washington University. The lead is responsible for ensuring that animal care duties are performed in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and that University and divisional policies are followed.

Job Description

Rotational work on weekends and holidays is required.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Monitor daily animal health and welfare while performing daily observations and cage checks, animal husbandry duties to maintain quality and health of research animals, to include: perform daily water bottle/automatic water line and cage checks; provide appropriate food and water; perform cage changing and/or cage cleaning as required; record animal health concerns per SOP and/or specified protocols.
• Provide direction to the husbandry staff on Operations and Facility issues. Specific responsibilities include investigating operational issues, including gathering information and details, compiling the information, and submitting/presenting it along with recommendation(s) for resolution of the situation/issue to the area supervisor. Provide training to new hires in the duties and responsibilities of animal care and facility operations.
• Perform quality assurance responsibilities in assigned building and other buildings as necessary.
• Conduct room inspections to assess the animals’ health and cage environment, as well as all related paperwork and record keeping.
• Operate equipment and use supplies according to safety guidelines; perform general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

The individual must be able to lift 50 lbs. and pass a pre-employment physical exam.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, AALAS certification (LAT) and three years of experience in laboratory animal care.
• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple requirements.
• Ability to comprehend written and spoken terms used in a biomedical research environment.
• Ability to comprehend and follow SOPs and written instructions from veterinary, supervisory and research staff.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent and two years of relevant laboratory animal research facility experience.
• Obtain Purina certification within six months.
• Obtain AALAS certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician level (ALAT) within two years.

Grade
R07-H

Salary Range
$16.24 - $27.63 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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