Vivarium Support Technician (Temp-to-Hire)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is seeking a vivarium support technician for Janelia to clean, sanitize, and maintain animal caging materials and cagewash equipment. You will work in a team-focused vivarium focused on mice, rats, and zebrafish.

The role is a 3-month temporary position with potential extension or permanency based on business needs, offering an hourly pay range of $18.00–$19.15. Prior experience with cagewash equipment is preferred and basic computer skills are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year post high school experience with mechanical washing equipment; prefer 6+ months in a research animal facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate cagewash equipment per safety guidelines.
• Sanitize and maintain caging materials and cagewash facilities.
• Monitor daily operation of cagewash equipment and perform basic maintenance.
• Maintain data records, logs, and inventories.
• Assist with receipt, stocking, and maintenance of supplies.
• Interact with customers to resolve requests and provide technical assistance.
• Dispose of animal carcasses and hazards per procedures.
• Clean and sanitize the facility.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Microsoft Office

Google Docs

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year post high school experience in mechanical washing equipment

Tools

Rack washer

Robotic index washer

Sterilizers

Job description

About the role:

In this role, you will provide vivarium support by cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining all animal caging materials, cagewash equipment, and vivarium spaces to support scientific research at Janelia. This will include caging for a variety of laboratory animal species, including, but not limited to mice, rats, and zebrafish. Under minimal supervision, the position will be focused on meeting the needs of the vivarium and exhibiting good time management. This will support the Janelia researchers conducting basic science in a dynamic team-oriented environment.

Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs.

About the Vivarium:

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

What we provide:

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment.
• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.
• Once trained, flexibleschedule

Whatyou'ldo:

• Operate equipment in the cagewash facility; including a rack washer, robotic index washer and sterilizers, according to safety guidelines.
• Sanitize, maintain, and repair caging materials as needed. Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all facility requirements.
• Monitor daily operation of cagewash equipment, including proper function, and user level maintenance.
• Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed. (e.g. written records, charts, logs and inventories.)
• Assist with the receipt, stocking, and maintenance of supply inventories.
• Actively interact with customers as required to resolve customer requests, inquiries, and complaints and to provide technical assistance.
• Dispose of animal carcasses, biohazards, and chemical hazards following established procedures.
• Clean and sanitize facility.

What you bring:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• One year post high school experience working with mechanical washing equipment; minimum of six (6) months experience working in a research animal facility preferred.
• Enthusiasm and self-motivation, with the ability to make and meet commitments, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to learn tasks quickly and balance multiple requests.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing team environment to accomplish mutual goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication, written and verbal, skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, and management.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Hiring Pay Range

$18.00 - $19.15

Pay Type:

Hourly

The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.