NIMH Research Specialist II (NIH/NIMH, Bethesda, MD)

Priority One Services, Inc.; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority One Services, Inc. is seeking a Research Support Specialist II for the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda.

The role focuses on veterinary science, anesthesia and surgical support, data collection and record keeping, and maintaining a diverse laboratory animal colony including nonhuman primates and rodents. The successful candidate will hold ALAT certification, plan to obtain LATG within 1 year, and bring at least three years of experience in laboratory animal facilities.

Qualifications

• Certified at the ALAT level.
• LATG certification to be obtained within 1 year of eligibility.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in laboratory animal facilities.
• Experience with rodents and non-human primates.
• Ability to lift 40–60 lbs and work evenings/weekends when required.

Responsibilities

• Administer medical treatments to nonhuman primates as prescribed by veterinarian.
• May perform general anesthesia for study-related procedures.
• Assist in infant care and weekend/evening shifts as needed.
• Maintain colony health and breeding records using electronic systems.
• Provide animal enrichment and pairing recommendations.
• Assist with colony data in accordance with USDA and NIH policies.
• Support laboratory SOP development and documentation.
• Assist with various animal care activities under veterinary direction.

Skills

Veterinary science knowledge

Animal handling & care

Data collection & record keeping

Lifting heavy objects

Evening/weekend availability

Education

ALAT certification

LATG certification within 1 year

Job description

Research Support Specialist II for the National Institute of Mental Health under the direction of the Systems Neurodevelopment Laboratory and Institute Veterinarians. The Research Specialist II must demonstrate a working knowledge of veterinary science and technology (e.g. first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, anesthesia and surgical support, treatment, nursing care, and examination), and should have experience with a wide variety of laboratory animal species, including nonhuman primates (macaques and marmosets) and rodents. The ideal candidate will have technical experience in using computers and computer software to conduct research studies.

Requirements

Candidate shall be certified at the AALAS ALAT level. Will be required to obtain a LATG certification within 1 year of eligibility.

Must have a minimum of three years’ experience in laboratory animal facilities. Applicant shall have experience working with rodents and non-human primates. Candidate should have experience with animal husbandry/caretaking procedures, accurate data sample collection, accurate and timely record keeping, and data processing. Must be able to lift 40lbs to 60lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods. Must be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary and maintain good customer and team relationships. Must be available to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Duties

Primary responsibilities:

• Administration of medical treatments to nonhuman primates in colony as prescribed by veterinarian.
• May perform general anesthesia in nonhuman primates for study-related procedures.
• Assists in nonhuman primate infant care, including weekend and evening stints as needed, as well as mornings.
• Maintains oversight of nonhuman primate colony for the laboratory, utilizing electronic records to track health, breeding, and experimental usage within the colony.
• Acquires deep knowledge of individual animals in the colony and is prepared to provide advice to the laboratory on pairing, animal compatibility, and enrichment.
• May perform ultrasonic examination on nonhuman primates as necessary for study projects.
• Assists with animal socializations (i.e. pairs or groups), and completes related documentation.
• Assists with colony data (paper and electronic) as per USDA requirements and NIH policies.
• Performs behavioral observations/assessments, both of individual animals and groups, when necessary and/or requested.
• Provides behavioral treatments to animals exhibiting certain behaviors.
• Provides conditioning training to animals when necessary and/or requested.
• Assists with developing, reviewing and revising laboratory-related SOPs and forms.
• Assists animal and research technicians in animal activities to include first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, physiology, physical examination, and treatment under the direction of a veterinarian with various animal species. Candidate will take technical direction from the NIMH investigative staff.
• Assist in a secondary support role with rodent study procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Hours: Basic workweek of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace. Hours dictated by the institutional research schedule, weekend and holiday work maybe required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist facility or animal health related emergencies. Potential to provide weekend coverage if there is short staffing and unable to find replacements.

Physical Requirements:

Activity Not Applicable Occasionally Often

Climbing X

Stooping X

Kneeling X

Reaching X

Standing X

Sitting X

Walking X

Pushing X

Pulling X

Talking X

Hearing X

Lifting/Moving Requirements:

Light work; lifting to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 10 pounds, applying up to 10 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

Environmental Conditions:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area. However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities. Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.