Research Technician II - DLAR Rodent Health

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Job Summary

Perform a variety of technical duties involved in basic research through advanced rodent health management.

Special Conditions of Employment

Working Schedule

• Must be able to work a flexible working schedule based on workload and deadlines;

• Must be able to work assigned standard schedules, including (but not limited to) Mon-Fri, Wed-Sun and Tue-Sat shifts;

• Must be able to work on rotating on call duties after hours and on weekends.

Occupational Health and Safety

As a safeguard for the employee and the animals, medical examinations and risk assessments are performed. Some immunizations or further diagnostics may be required prior to working with specific animals or animal populations as determined by occupational health medical personnel, including, but not limited to:

• TB testing and clearance;

• Hepatitis B (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);

• Rabies (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);

• Tetanus (current vaccination less than 10 years);

• Measles (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);

• Periodic physical examinations including respiratory fit tests);

• Other vaccines or testing as required by EOHW standards.

Hazard Exposure

The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions. Specifically, employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous noise, dust, chemicals, extreme heat, and animal waste products. The duration of exposure of any of the above is dependent on assigned duties. Some aspects of this position may expose the incumbent to potentially zoonotic and other biohazardous agents. Appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required, accompanied by appropriate training.

Work Performed

Rodent Health Services

• Evaluates and treats rodents with clinical conditions.

• Monitors rodent health in all DLAR and PI-managed facilities.

• Coordinates and collects rodent diagnostic specimens.

• Monitors mortality logs and rodent health cases to determine trends that need to be evaluated and addressed.

• Coordinates data collection from PIs regarding rodent health cases for use by the veterinary staff and the diagnostic laboratory.

• Communicates with Veterinary Services Manager regarding issues with rodent health, colony-specific concerns, and rodent treatments.

• Works with principal investigators, research staff and animal care staff to ensure that the health status of animals is maintained.

• Serves as back-up Veterinary Technician as needed: Able to handle and restrain a variety of species. Able to perform a variety of technical skills such as phlebotomy, catheterization, injections, intubation, etc. Able to monitor and maintain anesthesia in a variety of species.  Back up diagnostics such as CBC, chemistry panels, urinalysis, cytology, and sample submission.

Technical Services

• Assists in and performs a variety of complex technical activities involved in research support and in the care of research and production colonies.

• Determines and sets up instruments, materials, and apparatuses; operates laboratory equipment required for specific tests.

• Maintains sufficient inventory of materials, supplies, and equipment for performance of duties; cleans and maintains laboratory equipment.

Training

• Conducts and helps maintain training program for DLAR and scientific staff.

• Reviews work of lower level laboratory personnel within designated areas and assists in training new personnel.

• Participates in outreach with research laboratories through brown bag seminars, Mouse IACUC Workshops, and others as needed.

Budget and Recharges

• Performs responsible tracking and submission of service requests invoices and recharges to the breeding core manager and others parties.

Record Keeping

• Maintains appropriate documentations for all duties in accordance with all applicable departmental, institutional, local, state and federal laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and SOPs, and based on contemporary professional standards.

Professional Conduct and Behavior

• Demonstrates professional conduct and behavior at all times when performing job duties and rendering services to the scientific community, especially as they relate to customer service, attendance and punctuality, respectful demeanor and interactions, professional language and communications, appropriate effort and initiative, accountability and integrity, boundary maintenance and confidentiality, emotional self-regulation and responsiveness to feedback.

• Maintains professional standards and adheres to all federal, state and university regulations and policies regarding the use of animals in research while when performing job duties.

• Fosters teamwork and collegiality between the various groups of DLAR and scientific community.

Others

Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein as assigned by the supervisor based on operational needs.

Skills

DLAR Basic Skills:

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work generally requires a bachelor's degree in botany, biology, zoology, psychology or other directly related scientific field.

Experience

None required above education/training requirement. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Job Code: 00000951 RESEARCH TECHNICIAN II
Job Level: 08

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.