Vivarium Operations Associate I

Merck & Co.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking a Vivarium Operations Associate I in Cambridge, MA. The role focuses on high-quality animal care, husbandry, and vivarium support within a multi-building research program.

Onsite duties include sanitation, recordkeeping, and coordination of animal transfers to support scientific partners. Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of animal care experience, strong communication, and the ability to lift 50 lb.

Qualifications

• GED or higher required with science background.
• ALAT certification desirable or pursued after start.
• Strong knowledge of animal care laws and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care and husbandry for laboratory animals.
• Maintain animal facilities and sanitation of rooms/equipment.
• Receive animals and supplies; fulfill research requests.
• Support transfers and relocations of animals as needed.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory protocols.

Skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Teamwork

Physical strength

Education

GED/HS

Vet Tech degree

Science degree

Tools

Database use

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Job title: Vivarium Operations Associate I

Location: Cambridge, MA (Onsite)

Pay Rate: ***/Hour - ***/Hour (Lowest would be better)

Shift timings: 7AM to 3 PM EST (Monday to Sunday) Days are not fixed

Job Purpose

This role is an experienced animal care and vivarium operations position responsible for supporting research by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, vivarium operational service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.

Major Accountabilities

• Principally responsible for daily husbandry to animals (predominantly rodents, some small animal USDA), clinical observations, maintenance of the animal facilities (sanitation of animal rooms & equipment), receipt of incoming animals & supplies, fulfilling research requests, animal transfers and relocations.
• Often responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines.
• Maintenance of relevant facility/animal records.
• Make independent decisions regarding operational standards/situations.
• Responsible for pursing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.
• Driven by the needs of our scientific partner/collaborator, limited routine technical procedures on animals may also be assigned.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be required.

Key Performance Indicators (Indicate how performance will be measured: indicators, activities...)

• Provide consistent and high quality on-site animal care and vivarium maintenance
• Effectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable operational skills as required
• Team oriented and interactive. Foster peer/team development and performance
• Strong attention to completion of tasks in an efficient/consistent manner
• Continuously support Vivarium Operations Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Continuously pursue educational and professional development opportunities to enhance and expand relevant skills and knowledge
• Identify and resolve on-site vivarium operational issues/challenges
• Execute detail-specific operational support

Ideal Background

• Education:
• GED or High School degree required, 2-year degree in Veterinary Technology, 4-year Science degree, or a combination of experience with higher education preferred
• ALAT Certification desirable or pursued after start
• Working knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPs
• Thorough understanding and comprehension of operational standards, processes, equipment, etc. as they relate to operational responsibilities
• Clearance: HORUS clearance and an N95 respirator fit test are required before the selected contractor can start the contract.

Languages

English

Experience

Strong experience (2 - 4 years) working with animals or performing animal husbandry in a research setting.

Applicant Requirements

Qualified candidates will have a strong commitment to providing quality research support, be dedicated to providing consistent, humane animal care in accordance with Laboratory Animal Care regulations/standards. Candidates must be reliable, independent, work well in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment and have well developed interpersonal & communication skills. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and move heavy objects. Must be able work from a standing position for prolonged time periods and perform repetitive motion tasks. Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather.

Competency Profile

Characteristics

• Strong commitment to providing humane, consistent, and high quality daily care to research animals
• Strong interpersonal skills (transparency, professionalism, communication)
• Strong sense of personal accountability, reliability and integrity
• Team-oriented and interactive. Fosters peer/team development and performance.
• Organized, effective time management, detail-oriented, thorough and consistent
• Ability to independently identify and resolve standard vivarium operational issues/challenges
• Self-starter requiring no daily oversight
• Open to supporting transitional operations and schedule changes
• Committed to professional development and continuous learning

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of animal care expectations/responsibilities
• Knowledge of facility operational parameters and standards
• Recognition of typical/atypical animal health and behaviors
• Effective time management/prioritization for operational expectations/responsibilities
• Knowledge of Federal, state and local Animal Welfare regulations and recommendations
• ALAT or higher certification desirable

Skills/Abilities

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal required, presentation desirable)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook required, database use desirable
• Able to lift 50 lbs., move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged periods and perform repetitive motion tasks
• Able to perform standard animal care responsibilities.
• Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather