Special Services Program Specialist

Department
 

BSD ARC - Strategic Operations

About the Department
 

The mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit recently merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.

Job Summary
 

The job performs routine laboratory data collection and analysis to support clinical research, and assists in specialty research involving animals, MRI technologies, histology, among others. Principal contribution is providing technical/procedural knowledge relevant to the daily operations of the Special Services Program. Under limited direction from the Special Services Program Supervisor, performs technical and/or research-related projects for investigators who use research animals. Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Trains newly hired special services staff as well as research personnel when needed. Participates in new procedures within the unit as required. Interacts with graduate students, post-docs, fellows and other Principal Investigator (PI) laboratory staff. Provides PI training and supports the unit administratively when needed

Responsibilities

• Performs experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff, performs experimental interventions, medical treatment and assists principal investigator group with performing experiments within the animal facilities.
• Trains PI groups and other research personnel to perform techniques pertinent to animal research such as but not limited to: breeding schemes, injections, surgeries, tissue harvest, necropsy, sample collection, gavage, ear tagging, tail snips, weaning, colony management, etc.
• Assists with the upkeep of special supplies and equipment (inventory and ordering) used by the unit and provides administrative support to the unit.
• Participates in the weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples.
• Develops standard operating procedures for new technologies introduced into the unit in conjunction with the program manager.
• Under guidance and direction, analyzes clinical samples and specimens and reports results. Prepares specimens for examination, and looks for abnormalities using automated equipment, and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously.
• Conducts new tests and researches on new technologies for implementation in the laboratory. Solves routine or standard problems relating to the collection and management of patient results and data.
• Has general awareness of safety, quality control, and quality assurance procedures. Maintains quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field OR in a field relevant to the research being conducted.

Experience:

• Previous work experience in an academic environment and biomedical research.
• Experience in a scientific animal research setting and of rodent technical procedural work.

Licenses and Certifications:

• AALAS certification at the LATg level.
• Ability to work on more than one project at one time and meet deadlines.
   

Preferred Competencies

• Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.
• Must be detailed and organized and respect confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff within the division.
• Computer knowledge and skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance.
• Willingness to work successfully as a member of a team, ability to communicate effectively with faculty, graduate students and various administrative offices at all levels of the University, ability to prioritize.
• Strong decision making skills and ability to work under pressure of frequent deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Requires a fair amount of walking between facilities, also entails standing at hoods in facility, laboratory and office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter ( preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Applicant Inquiry Form. <span>Applicant Inquiry Form</span> The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Department
 

BSD ARC - Strategic Operations

About the Department
 

The mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit recently merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.

Job Summary
 

The job performs routine laboratory data collection and analysis to support clinical research, and assists in specialty research involving animals, MRI technologies, histology, among others. Principal contribution is providing technical/procedural knowledge relevant to the daily operations of the Special Services Program. Under limited direction from the Special Services Program Supervisor, performs technical and/or research-related projects for investigators who use research animals. Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Trains newly hired special services staff as well as research personnel when needed. Participates in new procedures within the unit as required. Interacts with graduate students, post-docs, fellows and other Principal Investigator (PI) laboratory staff. Provides PI training and supports the unit administratively when needed

Responsibilities

• Performs experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff, performs experimental interventions, medical treatment and assists principal investigator group with performing experiments within the animal facilities.
• Trains PI groups and other research personnel to perform techniques pertinent to animal research such as but not limited to: breeding schemes, injections, surgeries, tissue harvest, necropsy, sample collection, gavage, ear tagging, tail snips, weaning, colony management, etc.
• Assists with the upkeep of special supplies and equipment (inventory and ordering) used by the unit and provides administrative support to the unit.
• Participates in the weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples.
• Develops standard operating procedures for new technologies introduced into the unit in conjunction with the program manager.
• Under guidance and direction, analyzes clinical samples and specimens and reports results. Prepares specimens for examination, and looks for abnormalities using automated equipment, and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously.
• Conducts new tests and researches on new technologies for implementation in the laboratory. Solves routine or standard problems relating to the collection and management of patient results and data.
• Has general awareness of safety, quality control, and quality assurance procedures. Maintains quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field OR in a field relevant to the research being conducted.

Experience:

• Previous work experience in an academic environment and biomedical research.
• Experience in a scientific animal research setting and of rodent technical procedural work.

Licenses and Certifications:

• AALAS certification at the LATg level.
• Ability to work on more than one project at one time and meet deadlines.
   

Preferred Competencies

• Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.
• Must be detailed and organized and respect confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff within the division.
• Computer knowledge and skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance.
• Willingness to work successfully as a member of a team, ability to communicate effectively with faculty, graduate students and various administrative offices at all levels of the University, ability to prioritize.
• Strong decision making skills and ability to work under pressure of frequent deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Requires a fair amount of walking between facilities, also entails standing at hoods in facility, laboratory and office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter ( preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Applicant Inquiry Form. <span>Applicant Inquiry Form</span> The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.