Comparative Medicine Specialist

Duke University; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Tuition assistance

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Duke University DLAR seeks an on-site animal care technician to perform daily husbandry of conventional and engineered animal models, ensure compliance with policies, and document data accurately. The role emphasizes professional communication, safety, and adherence to regulatory standards.

High school diploma or equivalent is required; ALAT certification or completion of the internal program within 12 months is expected, with prior animal care experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; ALAT certification or complete internal program within 12 months.
• ALAT certification preferred.
• Some experience in the care and handling of animals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Daily, you will perform general husbandry duties involving the handling of conventional and genetically engineered animal models with varying health statuses.
• Specific duties may include processing incoming animals, changing cages, maintaining animal rooms, operating cage wash and other facility equipment.
• Document critical facility data daily as required by regulatory agencies and Duke standards.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully, both verbally and in writing.

Skills

Animal care experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ALAT certification or internal Duke certification within 12 months

Job description

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School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent. Must obtain ALAT certification or successfully complete the equivalent Duke internal certification program within 12 months of employment. ALAT certification is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Some experience in the care and handling of animals is preferred.

Be Bold.

Work Performed (on-site position)

• Daily, you will perform general husbandry duties involving the handling of conventional and genetically engineered animal models with varying health statuses, in compliance with DLAR and Duke policies and standard operating procedures.
• Specific duties may include: processing incoming animals, changing cages, maintaining animal rooms, operating cage wash and other facility equipment, performing animal health checks, monitoring overcrowded cages, participating in animal quarantine and health surveillance programs, reporting facility and environmental issues, performing routine euthanasia, and providing enrichment to the animals.
• You will be expected to document critical facility data daily as required by regulatory agencies and Duke standards and processes.
• You will be required to communicate professionally and respectfully, both verbally and in writing.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Ability to lift and move 50lbs. regularly and stand for long periods.
• Must be able to work on a rotating on-call schedule after hours, on weekends, and on holidays.
• As a safeguard for you and the animals, medical examinations and risk assessments are performed.
• Some immunizations or further diagnostics may be required before working with specific animals or animal populations, as determined by occupational health medical personnel.
• Employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous noise, dust, chemicals, extreme heat, and animal waste products. The duration of exposure to any of the above is dependent on assigned duties. Some aspects of this position may expose the incumbent to potentially zoonotic and other biohazardous agents. Appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required, accompanied by appropriate training.

Choose Duke.

Beyond this meaningful work supporting important research studies at Duke, you’ll also benefit from Duke’s competitive benefits package, including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for both employees and their children, and more benefits unique to both Duke and DLAR.

Anticipated Pay Range

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $27.02. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market

Durham

Nearest Secondary Market

Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.