Research Support Technician - Colony Management Program

About City of Hope

City of Hope's mission is to deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. Founded in 1913, City of Hope  has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines , as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute  and AccessHopeTM . For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube , Instagram  and LinkedIn .

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities.  Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding.  We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

The research support technician is responsible for performing tasks and procedures associated with managing the production of research animal breeding colonies, including mating, weaning, animal identification, tissue biopsy, data collection, and communication with researchers using these services.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Observes all animals in assigned work area and reports any sick, injured, or distressed animals to an Animal Health Technician or Veterinarian. 
• Changes cages at scheduled intervals and whenever needed to support animal health and well-being.  Ensures animals have adequate food and water at all times. 
• Follows breeding plan and mating schemes to meet animal production goals.  Reports breeding issues promptly to Animal Breeding Supervisor or Coordinator.
• Performs tissue biopsy and animal identification in a timely manner.
• Wean and separate litters as well as transfer animals for experimental use in a timely manner.
• Accurately documents breeding activities.
• Promptly responds to researcher requests for breeding colony information.  Effectively communicates with researchers and supervisors on a regular basis to inform them of their colony status and any issues/questions that may arise.
• Document daily husbandry and breeding activities.
• Monitors and documents animal holding room environment.  Reports non-compliant environmental parameters and/or malfunctioning equipment to the Supervisor or Facilities Manager.
• Maintains animal holding rooms and assigned support areas in a clean and orderly state.
• Sanitizes animal holding rooms and assigned support areas.
• Performs weekly animal census accurately and reconciles discrepancies in a timely manner in accordance with CCM policies.
• Performs rack changes and animal transfer station/biosafety cabinet maintenance as required.
• Restrains animals for various technical procedures.  May assist with diagnostic sample collection.
• Humanely euthanizes animals as requested or required. 
• Provides technical services to investigators.
• Performs other animal care/breeding related duties as required.
• Participates in training sessions, meetings, and continuing education activities.
• Interacts/establishes working relationships and communicates effectively and positively with research and CCM staff. 

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• High School or equivalent.
• No animal breeding experience required; 2 or more years of experience working in a laboratory animal care or veterinary technician position or related field.

Required Certification/Licensure:

• AALAS ALAT certification (or obtained within 12 months of hire).

Additional Information:

• The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc.  This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.
• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.