LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Position Number: S-3993

Position Summary:

The Lab Technician works under the supervision of the Vivarium Manager to support the vivarium and the Office of Laboratory and Field Safety (OLFS). This position encompasses multiple tasks and areas in the vivarium and the registered laboratory spaces across campus to comply with all policies pertaining to the animal care program and laboratory health and safety.

Required Qualifications:

Associate's degree preferably in veterinary technology or basic science or certification in veterinary technology. One year of experience in a lab animal research vivarium, or closely related environment. Strong skills in Microsoft Office, (Word, Excel, Outlook), databases and data collection systems. Demonstrated effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Knowledge of vivarium equipment and supplies. Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays as necessary. Ability to frequently lift between 25-75 lbs. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment which may include multiple types of respirators. Required to pass the Occupational Risk Assessment medical evaluation prior to starting in the position. Experience complying with health and safety regulations. Working knowledge of the care, handling, and treatment of research and teaching animals.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree. AALAS certification at the LATG level. Two years of experience working in a lab animal vivarium environment. Two years of experience complying with health and safety regulations. Experience working with laboratory rodents. Experience managing rodent breeding colonies. Experience assisting with training.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Performs animal husbandry and animal handling activities including but not limited to: observation, feeding, watering, sanitizing, cleaning, disinfecting, cage changes, cage washing, cage and accessory assembly and sanitation, facility disinfection, autoclaving procedures and monitoring consistent with facility SOPs, State, Federal and University regulations. Reports facility malfunctions and deficiencies to the vivarium manager. Maintains and records animal care and animal room information. Monitors the health and well-being of the animals, recognizes deviations from normal health status and communicates animal conditions to appropriate staff. Assists and/or performs documentation, data collection and record keeping of the animals, housing parameters, standard environmental and equipment requirements, as well as monitors and reports deviations to the vivarium manager. Operates equipment and uses supplies following safety guidelines; performs general housekeeping and adheres to safety procedures; complies with safety policies and procedures and safety data sheet (SDS) guidelines. Performs air sampling/monitoring, ventilation testing, wipe testing, safety inspections, and other tasks to support the health and safety programs (chemical, biological, laser, radiological, industrial, and field safety). Assists with managing SAP SuccessFactors online safety training platform- assigns training(s) for lab workers and addresses related processes for online training. Manages inventory and ordering for the vivarium and OLFS. Assists with Lab Registration Manager administration and oversees creation and posting of laboratory door signs. Processes incoming Facilities Management (FM) Lab Hazard and Area Preparation forms -- carries out subsequent communication with FM and associated faculty/staff/departments. Assists with administrative tasks related to OLFS email, training record confirmation, access control, and lab coat rental program (MSforms processing/organizing, recordkeeping). Other duties as assigned.

Supervis