Animal Care & Lab Support Specialist

AHRI; Durban; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is seeking a Laboratory General Assistant to support the mouse and guinea pig breeding unit with cleaning, cage preparation, feeding and daily husbandry. The role includes maintaining stock of consumables and reporting equipment issues to the supervisor.

The ideal candidate will have Matric, 2–4 years in animal handling, and prefer 1–2 years in a lab setting. Employment is full-time with AHRI values-driven culture.

Qualifications

• Matric or equivalent qualification.
• 2–4 years' experience working with animals.
• 1–2 years' lab experience would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will be responsible for the general cleaning and sanitizing of the unit (level O - mouse and guinea pig breeding unit), including cages, racks, animal rooms, storage and support areas as per standard operating procedures.
• The incumbent will also be required to prepare cages, water bottles and food for designated areas as needed, and assist with the transport of litter, feed, waste materials, equipment and supplies as per SOPs.
• The incumbent will additionally be responsible for ensuring equipment required for daily managing of the unit is functioning and report technical problems to the supervisor.
• He/she will also ensure that stock levels of food, bedding and consumables are maintained and request for orders to be placed timeously.
• Preparing food and water for all animals.
• Preparing clean cages and assisting with cage changing.
• Maintaining feed, bedding and consumable stock.
• General cleaning of the unit, to include floors, corridors, surfaces and removal of waste.
• Routine assistance with disinfection of unit as per SOP.
• Routine animal husbandry as per SOP.

Skills

Active listening

Time management

Taking instruction

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Job description

Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is seeking a Laboratory General Assistant to support the mouse and guinea pig breeding unit with cleaning, cage preparation, feeding and daily husbandry. The role includes maintaining stock of consumables and reporting equipment issues to the supervisor.

The ideal candidate will have Matric, 2–4 years in animal handling, and prefer 1–2 years in a lab setting. Employment is full-time with AHRI values-driven culture.