Research Technician - Level 1 Companion Animal

Vivo Consulting; Fergus; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A preclinical contract research organization is seeking a Research Technician I in Fergus, Ontario. The role involves assisting in animal research studies, performing health observations, and requiring strong ethical standards in data documentation. Candidates must have a relevant Sc. degree or experience in animal care, with knowledge of safety regulations and study protocols.

Benefits

Friendly work atmosphere

Competitive wages

Benefits offered

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 months of direct experience in a related field.
• Familiarity with study protocols and animal handling.
• CALAS certification is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing in vivo study procedures in Companion Animal Department.
• Document experimental details accurately and ethically.
• Prepare and maintain inventory of supplies.

Skills

Animal care knowledge

Data management skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Sc. degree in relevant field (e.g., Pharmacology, Veterinary Sciences)

Job description

Transpharmation is a dynamic preclinical contract research organization that specializes in high-quality, translational drug discovery services. The company provides a friendly and team-oriented work atmosphere as well as competitive wages and benefits.

The Research Technician I (“RT I”) will have a solid understanding of each individual’s roles and responsibilities within the company and within research studies. The RT I will have a clear understanding of and be able to perform a majority of the basic procedures at Transpharmation within the Companion Animal Department. The RT I will demonstrate a clear understanding of the complexities of a research trial and be able to efficiently follow study protocols, with continued guidance from the Study Coordinator.

The RTI must be familiar with all animals, including their general behaviour, to be able to perform health observations, and be aware of any legitimate health problems.

• DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Key Activities
• Assisting and performing assigned in vivo study procedures in the Companion Animal Department.
• Recording and documenting experimental details with a high level of integrity, ethics and accuracy.
• Assisting in the preparation of data summary reports, study related data entry, Quality Control.
• Performing study-related husbandry duties to ensure proper animal care practices are adhered to and are in accordance with CCAC guidelines and facility SOPs.
• Working within a team to ensure that projects are successfully conducted and completed to a high level of quality and scientific competence.
• Participating in the maintenance of an adequate inventory of supplies.
• Assisting the Facility Operations Managers in the maintenance and operation of animal facility and husbandry in accordance with CCAC guidelines and Animals for Research Act.
• Involvement with internal working groups (e.g., animal care committee, health and safety, etc.).
• Explaining techniques to new employees and visitors.
• Training staff on various procedures as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.
• duties associated with the Companion animal department (CAD)

• General techniques:
• Operate centrifuges and perform basic blood separation
• Drug administrations (oral, SC)
• Fecal collection
• Urine collection (free flow)
• Body weights
• Health observations
• Heart rate acquisition
• Study feed Preparation
• Restrain animals for procedures as needed
• Cognitive Testing
• Dog cognitive testing (DNMP, discrimination, pre-training, egocentric, spatial discrimination, landmark, etc.)
• Behavioral/Activity etc. testing:
• Prepare rooms for testing
• Testing (O-maze, T-maze, treadmill,
• Video scoring (pruritic scoring, behavioural scoring)
• Actical
• QOL questionnaire video recording
• Data Management:
• Data entry
• Data QC
• Any other duties as deemed necessary
  
• INTERACTION

This position requires coordination of resources (i.e., equipment) with other Research Technicians. It also requires the ability to learn new skills and procedures as well as teach skills efficiently.

• COMMUNICATION

Communications are with the Facility Operations Managers and other facility staff and employees within the organization. Collaboration, execution, and reporting of the quality assurance program. Verbal communication is required to request and receive instructions for work, to report on activities, results, problems, and to participate in planning and scheduling of work and equipment use. Written communication is required for accurate and detailed recording of procedures, for reporting results and for completing documentation. Reading and comprehension of written protocols and manuals is essential.

• WORKING CONDITIONS
• ENVIRONMENT

There will be occasional periods of several hours per day exposed to noxious odours from diagnostic materials and/or samples. There will also be the occasional need to work with chemicals in a controlled environment.

• RISK TO HEALTH

There will be the occasional exposure to small quantities of toxic irritant or corrosive chemicals as well as exposure to freezers (-80C) while storing and retrieving materials and liquid nitrogen (-200C) for sample processing.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The demands of this position include: standing, bending, twisting, lifting, holding power wash wand and pulling a trigger for extended periods of time, lifting animals in and out of cages on a regular basis, carrying liquid containers, carrying boxes weighing up to 20 kg and daily periods of keyboarding.

• PHYSICAL DEXTERITY

Agility, accuracy and consistency will be required while handling precision instruments such as, pipettes, balances, and pH meters. Strong fine motor skills in fingers, hands, and arms.

• Qualifications
• EDUCATION
• Sc. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Veterinary Sciences, Biochemistry) and/or relevant experience with at least 3 months of direct experience. CALAS certification encouraged.
  
• EXPerience
• Experience as an Animal Care Technician for at least 3 months or equivalent experience
• Experience within a laboratory environment
• Experience handling confidential laboratory and scientific data
• Knowledge

• Knowledge of the basic principles of biology, immunology and chemistry
• Knowledge of the principles of safe handling of potentially pathogenic substances and contaminated materials
• Familiar with the following acts and regulations: ISO Guide 17025 (1990) and GLP (both Code of Federal Regulations and OECD guidelines).