ANML TCHN (Animal Technician - ABSL 3, Infectious Housing, and Quarantine)

The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC ) at UC Davis, is an Organized Research Unit that conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health problems where non-human primates are the animal of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to both UC Davis and NIH missions of teaching and service.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Animal Care Supervisor, perform routine animal care tasks in the infectious areas of the indoor colony and Quarantine (both ABSL 2 and 3 conditions) with duties that include observing animals for abnormal behavior, health monitoring, feeding animals, and cleaning animal rooms and cages.
Provide routine animal care, technical and experimental project support services and study support services to research Principal Investigators (PIs), which includes performing technical laboratory animal procedures requiring various levels of biohazard containment in the indoor nonhuman primate colony, such as monitoring and assessing health associated with the colony’s Infectious and Quarantine areas (includes BSL 3) preventative health program (morning/afternoon health management). Provide study support and technical services as required by research staff to include blood collection (venipuncture), dosing/administering IM injections, performing a variety of sample collections, and performing routine animal care tasks. The incumbent will work under minimal supervision in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/ AAALAC) and all safety procedures according to NIH standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Familiarity with regulations, guidelines, and policies to ensure that animals are provided appropriate care to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort. Employee is required to work with animals (nonhuman primates) that are either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as
HIV, SIV, Herpes B, ZIKA, influenza, Chikungunya Virus and Measles.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Repetitive lifting and/or moving loaded animal transfer cages weighing 35 pounds to cage elevations 7 feet high. Lift and move a 25-pound sack of chow.
• Push rolling cages that may weigh from 250-1,000 pounds. Manually lift and move cages weighing up to 90 pounds from wall.
• Perform diversified tasks that may require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or standing.
• Restrain animals for prolonged periods of time.
• Position self to move and handle a variety of animals weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Substantial contact with animals, including repeated capture and prolonged restraint of animals.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
• Must be willing to perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (BSL) 1, 2, or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Restricted vacation during peak workload periods. Work irregular shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work overtime, occasional weekends on short notice. – Rotating weekend and holiday coverage is required.
• California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum License/Certification: 

• Certified at the Laboratory Animal Technician level or have completed an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) training from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (ASLAS) or equivalent experience with the goal to obtain certification within one year from date of hire.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Experience in performing all aspects of animal care and husbandry duties as an animal technician in biohazard containment procedures under BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 conditions.
• Must have applied experience and ability to handle laboratory animals in a manner that avoids
  injury to self or animals, and to exercise basic principles of animal care and animal laboratory
  science related to conducting TB testing and evaluating test results, disease control, sanitation
  and environmental enrichment.
• Laboratory animal technical training and experience working with research animals such as nonhuman primates which includes experience capture and physical restraint, technical experience administering IM injections, dosing, performing venipuncture, sample collections, and recognizing changes in physical appearance or abnormal behavior of nonhuman primates.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Skill to pay strict attention to detail and knowledge to recognize changes in animal
  physical appearance or behavior.
• Ability to keep current, accurate, and complete records in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice guidelines.
• Knowledge of NIH, OLAW, USDA regulations and AALAS practices and Protocols pertaining to primate non-human animal models. Skills and abilities to be compassionate, kind and humane when working with animals involved in scientific research.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:             

• Knowledge and experience as an animal technician in biohazard containment
  procedures under BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 facilities.
• Experience in specialty area such as nonhuman primate facilities, barrier, hazard containment and animal facility. 
• Experience handling and training nonhuman primates, including chair training,
  capture and physical restraint of macaques.
• Experience in Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animal handling procedures, including infection control and containment, and Animal husbandry experience working with infectious animal housing.
• Experience operating a medical waste autoclave mechanical cage washer, steam pressure gun, and operating a forklift.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20 . 

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .