Lab Animal Tech I - Division of Laboratory Animal Resources
Lab Animal Tech I
Division of Laboratory Animal Resources
Wayne State University
The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) is responsible for administering the university's laboratory animal care and use program. Oversight of the program is the joint responsibility of the DLAR and the Institutional Animal and Care Use Committee (IACUC). The DLAR directly operates and maintains animal facilities at Wayne State University and John Dingell Veteran's Administration Center. Under contractual agreement, the DLAR also provides veterinary care service to Detroit VA Medical Center, which has a major affiliation with the WSU School of Medicine. Animals, cages, supplies and/or equipment are purchased by the DLAR for the facilities it operates. All animal purchases are placed through the DLAR for quality assurance reasons and to ensure that all animals are used only in approved IACUC protocols.
Position Purpose
Perform a variety of simple routine tasks incident to the care, feeding and maintenance of various laboratory animal species within an animal care facility or facilities at the University.
Essential Functions:
Perform simple routine animal husbandry activities in accordance with the National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and established research protocols. Provide and maintain housing and food for all laboratory animal species. Observe, monitor and report health status of laboratory animals.
Clean and disinfect animal cages, pens and heavy floor grates via water hosing method or automatic machine cagewashing device. Mix chemical cleansing agents and solutions (e.g. bleach, acid cleaner and tri-quat) to sanitize and disinfect bottles, pans, pails, cages, pens and entire work area. Sweep and mop floors using push broom, dry mop or wet-n-dry vacuum. Incinerate deceased animals and dispose of remains accordingly. Place fresh bedding materials in animal cages, pens and pans.
Receive animal feed, bedding and supplies. Transport heavy animal feed and bedding bags using moving equipment to appropriate locations). Assist in animal identification procedures; maintain applicable charts and records; catch, restrain and cage various extremely light to very heavy animal species ranging in weight from 70g-100 lbs. Store feed, bedding and supplies. May assist in the transportation of animals and supplies via motor vehicle. Transport refuse and empty into large outdoor dumpsters.
Assist in the care of sick animals. May at times administer prescribed simple medications and treatments; collect laboratory samples as requested by principal investigator, clinical veterinarian or research personnel which requires utilizing a variety of medical apparatus and instruments, e.g. bandages, swabs, etc.
Attend departmental staff meetings. Participate in continuing education and employee training programs. May require rotation through several on-campus and off-campus research facilities.
Maintain safe working conditions at all times by using equipment and supplies following appropriate safety procedures; protect against controllable fairly predictable hazards wearing safety masks, goggles, gloves, boots and other protective clothing. Complete work assignments represented by frequent handling and transporting of semi-sedentary to very heavy animal species and other equipment and supplies.
Laboratory Animal Technicians (I & II) are considered to be “Essential Personnel” and are required to report during a university emergency closure period.
Perform related work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduation or presently enrolled in an accredited Animal Health Technician training program preferred.
Some experience in an accredited animal care facility preferred.
State recognition as a licensed Animal Technician preferred.
Possession and maintenance of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license and satisfactory driving records as determined by University policy.
Some experience and knowledge in the care, feeding and handling of various laboratory animal species.
Ability to transport a variety of extremely light to very heavy laboratory animal species ranging in weight from (70g-100 lbs.)
Ability to perform a variety of simple medical procedures and treatments utilizing specialized instruments and apparatuses, e.g. bandage, swab, etc.
Ability to communicate effectively with others. Must obtain security clearance.
Familiarity with National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards and guidelines.
TO APPLY:
Please submit electronic applications (a resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications of this position) to the Wayne State University site under position posting # 045725.
Information about the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources can be found at: https://research.wayne.edu/dlar.
Summary of Benefits:
Wayne State University offers a comprehensive benefits program to our diverse community of faculty and staff, including compensation, benefits, work/life balance and learning – options that enhance your career and add value to your personal life. This includes traditional and non-traditional benefits such as: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement Savings Plans, 457(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Life Insurance and AD&D, Long-Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Reduced Tuition for Spouse/Child of Employee, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Wellness Warriors Program and Voluntary Benefits, eligible employees can purchase auto and home insurance or long term care insurance. Paid time off for vacation, illness, short-term disability, special needs and jury duty.
Click here for more information on the benefits Wayne State University offers:
https://hr.wayne.edu/benefits/brochure-general.pdf
Wayne State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, or disability.