Laboratory Animal Resources Technician

Southern Research; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) match

Life insurance

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Southern Research in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Laboratory Animal Resources Technician to support the LAR group with daily care, husbandry, and breeding colony management of ferrets for research programs.

The role requires adherence to SOPs and GLP, ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and capacity to manage records, perform health observations, and assist in surgeries and necropsies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science with at least 2 years of lab experience.
• Ability to follow SOPs and GLP requirements.
• Effective communication with stakeholders.
• Willingness to work overtime and weekends.
• Must meet medical/vaccination requirements for ABSL-2/3.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care, husbandry, and breeding colony management for ferrets.
• Perform health observations and recordkeeping.
• Assist in training new team members.
• Collect samples and assist in surgeries and necropsies.
• Set up study files in Provantis and perform electronic randomization.
• Administer anesthesia and euthanasia as directed.

Skills

Safety compliance

Communication

Teamwork

Record keeping

MS Office

Animal handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science

Tools

Provantis data system

Job description

Position:Laboratory Animal Resources Technician

Location: Birmingham, AL

Laboratory Animal Resources Technician

Southern Research + You

Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.

General Summary

This position is responsible for providing general research support within the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) group, including the daily care, husbandry, and breeding colony management of ferrets in support of research programs. The Laboratory Animal Resources Technician demonstrates an understanding of scientific research and methods, proficiency in laboratory animal husbandry and technical procedures, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include routine animal care, breeding colony management, health observations, recordkeeping, and support of research activities in accordance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and study protocols. This position reports directly to the Manager, Laboratory Animal Resources.

• Observes and executes activities consistent with study protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or Laboratory Methods, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) regulations, and safety and health practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge of basic study design and execution.
• Executes key activities on a study following appropriate procedures.
• Administers test and control materials by various routes, including, gavage, capsule, diet/drinking water, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous.
• Gathers and reviews in-life and husbandry data for various study types, including body weights, clinical observations, food consumption.
• Performs reproductive-specific procedures, including pairing, vaginal lavage, estrous stage identification, handling pregnant and nursing animals; handling, sexing, identification, weaning, and vaccination of ferret kits
• Handles and restrains ferrets and also comfortable handling of animals of various species (e.g. rodents, ferrets, dogs, non-human primates, rabbits, etc.) in animal biosafety levels 1, 2, or 3, as required.
• Assists in the training of new team members on laboratory techniques.
• Collects samples and specimens.
• Observes, records and reports abnormal findings to the veterinarian.
• Performs animal identification procedures.
• Assists in surgeries.
• Performs animal necropsies and harvests various tissues as directed per study protocol.
• Proficiently sets up and reviews study files in the Provantis data collection system.
• Proficiently performs electronic randomization procedures utilizing Provantis.
• Creates and revises forms and SOPs as necessary.
• Administers various types of anesthesia and performs euthanasia of animals.
• Records data in the Provantis data collection system.
• Reviews in-life and husbandry data as required.
• Acts as study lead as assigned (order and organize study supplies, organize paperwork, compare study protocol to ACUP and BPR to ensure no discrepancies)
• Assists in the training of new team and current members on laboratory techniques.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree of a science related field with at least 2 years of related laboratory experience.
• Ability to observe appropriate safety and study requirements by reading, understanding and following Standard Operating Procedures, Good Laboratory Practices requirements, and study protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrate ability to utilize relevant MS Office Suite Products.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to include an N95 respirator or PAPR for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Able to work overtime when necessary and rotating weekends and holidays.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of standard scientific principles, theories, and concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new tasks.
• This position requires the ability to meet all entry requirements, including medical and vaccination requirements for work in both an ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 laboratory environment. Immunizations are required for this position and are determined by the study/agent. Some examples include Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Smallpox, Polio, Yellow Fever, and Influenza.

Core Values

Cultivating human connection – putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world’s most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of though go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.

Operating with precise execution – measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.

Harnessing relentless curiosity – our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.

Stewarding a healthy community – implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don’t compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.

Job Specific Behaviors

Planning and Organization - Systematically identifies issues to be addressed and plans a course of action for self and others to ensure the accomplishment of specific objectives

Attention to detail - Utilizes established monitoring system, records data accurately and in a timely manner, and ensures accuracy of data.

Communication - Effectively communicates verbally with others and written skills are effective.

Quality Orientation - Follows procedures, ensures high-quality outputs and takes action.

Physical Demands

This position requires significant physical abilities including (but not limited to):

• Standing, walking, or climbing for extended periods of time
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area
• Ability to push/pull up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform repetitive and strenuous activities that require standing or stooping/crouching by bending at waist or legs.
• Ability to withstand exposure to constant or intermittent high noise levels
• Clear vision with corrective lenses at 20 feet or more
• Fine motor skills and manual dexterity
• Wearing a respirator for extended periods of time
• Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time
• Withstanding exposure to constant or intermittent high temperatures/humidity

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

ALAT, LAT, or LATG (preferred, not required).

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.

Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.

In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.

If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact [e-mail] immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.