Animal Technician, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas

[Susan Pavonetti]

Animal Technician - Comparative Medicine, Requisition #: 145188

 

This position is located at The Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research in Bastrop, Texas.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Animal Technician position is to provide competent technical skills in all areas of animal care in the daily operation of an animal colony within the Department of Comparative Medicine. This position will primarily support the Chimpanzee and SPF Baboon areas and may assist in other animal areas as needed.
Works weekends and holidays on a scheduled, rotating basis; may work overtime as authorized by the Manager. This position may be subject to working in biocontainment areas requiring compliance with specific protocols.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Animal Husbandry and Facility Maintenance 
Performs daily husbandry and disposal of waste materials.
Operates cage sanitation equipment.
May assist checking locks of other care staff. Prepares and distributes daily diet/enrichment. May provide basic husbandry training to staff.
Participates in positive reinforcement training for maintenance of trained behaviors. Transports animals which may require specialized training or handling techniques. Inspects lixit valves and water lines daily to ensure proper function.
Inspects assigned animal areas and maintain rooms, buildings, facilities, and equipment (including enrichment). Reports issues to Supervisor or Team Leader.
Performs microbiologic monitoring (cage surface samples, water testing, water analysis, and sterilization QA/QC).
May assist in shipment preparation procedures. Performs basic housekeeping and restocks supplies. Conducts inventory and reports supply needs.

Animal Healthcare and Technical Support 
Assists in a variety of technical procedures relating to animal health to include: gross biologics sample collection, transport samples, weaning, tattooing, wound treatment, nail trimming, checking vitals, and physical exams. Assists in screening animals for gross evidence of infectious and parasitic diseases.
Assists Veterinarians, Supervisors, or Technologist in restraining, administering medications, and injections.
Conducts animal health and behavioral observations. Reports changes in animal behavior and appearance to Supervisor. May assist with conducting routine observations for clinical cases.
Provides care for special needs animals (including infants).
Assists with projects involving special handling techniques which may require protocol specific personal protective equipment.
Assembles and sterilizes surgical instruments and packs. Assists in research protocols including GLP protocols.

Administrative and Compliance 
Adheres to PPE requirements. Works safely in close proximity to animals.
Ensures appropriate animal access to shelter, food, water and distance from other groups. Ensures proper cage and building lock procedures are followed.
Responsible for animal identification as required by area. May need to respond in emergency situations.
Participates in SOP training and consistently follows SOPs and departmental policies. Responsible for adhering to AAALAC and IACUC standards and USDA/AWA regulations.
Provides timely and accurate documentation and recordkeeping of husbandry and healthcare data (including GLP).
May require proficiency in the use of electronic health records and database applications.

Other duties as assigned.

 

REQUIREMENTS

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education: 2 Year College Degree.

Certification: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 180 days of eligibility but no more than 910 days. Any employee hired or rehired after September 1, 2012 must possess required certification.

Preferred Certification: None.

Experience: Two years of animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field. With either preferred degree, no experience required.

Preferred Experience: Experience gained in a university research setting.

Additional Information:

·        Employment Status: Full-Time

·        Employee Status: Regular

·        FLSA: non-exempt, eligible for overtime, and is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

·        Work Week: Days, Weekends

·        Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 31,200

·        Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 37,200

·        Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 43,200

 

Please visit www.mdanderson.org to apply.

 

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