Study Support Technician I – Rodent Breeding & Husbandry (Temp-to-Hire)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Ashburn, VA seeks an Animal Care Technician to support vivarium operations. You will perform husbandry and care for mice, rats, and zebrafish under supervision in a dynamic team environment.

The role involves receiving shipments, maintaining records, environmental enrichment, and basic technical support. Requires a life science degree and animal-handling experience, with a 3-month temporary contract and possible extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in life science or related field.
• Six months of experience working with vertebrate animal species.
• Experience in a basic or applied science research setting preferred.
• Ability to learn tasks quickly.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.
• Ability to complete multiple requests and assignments as directed.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services to multiple species (e.g. feeding, watering, cages, daily observations).
• Receive, examine and properly house incoming animal shipments.
• Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.
• Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species housed.
• Use databases for animal recordkeeping, including housing and study support.
• Assist with receiving, stocking and maintenance of all supply inventories.
• Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed.
• Provide minor technical support (restraining animals, collecting blood, injections, clinical treatments) as directed.

Skills

Vertebrate animal handling

Laboratory animal care

Recordkeeping

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in life science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Docs

Job description

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

About the role:

In this role, you will provide standard services related to animalhusbandry and technical procedures to support scientific researchat Janelia. This will include a variety of laboratory animalspecies, including, but not limited to mice, rats, and zebrafish.Under general supervision the position will be focused on ensuringthe highest degree of animal care and welfare while supporting andworking with Janelia researchers conducting basic science in adynamic team-oriented environment.

Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with thepotential to be extended or become permanent based on businessneeds.

About the Vivarium:

The Vivarium at Janelia is an AAALAC accredited facility thatsupports ground-breaking research in a variety of animal models(currently with a focus on mice, rats, and zebrafish) and is one ofthe highest regarded in the world. Vivarium operations are designedto enhance scientific progress and impact, while providingbest-in-class welfare for, and responsible use of, laboratoryanimals. Our approach involves Vivarium staff working very closelywith our scientists by taking responsibility and ownership ofprocesses that involve animals, but are not data driven, to allowresearchers to focus on data intensive tasks.

What we provide:

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in acollaborative environment.
• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates anenvironment of collaboration.
• Collaboration with research labs and other sharedresources.

What you’ll do:

• Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services tomultiple species (e.g. providing feed, water, clean cages, anddaily observations of each animal).
• Receive, examine and properly house incoming animalshipments.
• Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.
• Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the specieshoused.
• Use databases for animal recordkeeping, including but notlimited to, animal housing and study support.
• Assist with receiving, stocking and maintenance of all supplyinventories.
• Maintain and record appropriate data for all dutiescompleted.
• Provide other minor technical support for species housed (e.g.restraining animals, collecting blood, performing injections,clinical treatments) as directed.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in life science or any otherrelated field preferred.
• Six months of experience working with vertebrate animalspecies.
• Experience in a basic or applied science research settingpreferred. This could include academic, industry, ornon-profit.
• Ability to learn tasks quickly.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.
• Ability to complete multiple requests and assignments asdirected.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidlychanging environment to accomplish mutual goals
• Excellent interpersonal and communication, written and verbal,skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratorytechnical staff, administrative staff, and management.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extendedperiods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) orarm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for exampleusing a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word;ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to moveabout workspace. The position requires mobility, including theability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as alaptop computer or tablet). Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essentialduties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests forreasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individualbasis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties,responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed asan exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word“may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described aboveare “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americanswith Disabilities Act.

Hiring Pay Range

$20.00 - $ 22.47

Pay Type:

Hourly

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective inmany ways for their contributions to our mission, includingcompetitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans,time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visitour Benefits atHHMI site to learn more.

HHMI is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

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