Job Title: Assistant Head of Laboratory Animal Research Service

Job Type: Full-time direct hire

Job Location: New York, NY

Work Authorisation: US Citizen/GC

Overview:

Responsibilities:

The Assistant Head of LARS position is responsible for assisting the Head of LARS with the oversight of management of the Laboratory Animal Research Service (LARS) vivarium at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute. This position is responsible for daily vivarium room rounds; regular communication with scientists, Veterinarians and Head of LARS regarding daily care; administering treatments prescribed by clinical veterinarians and/or Head of LARS; monitoring; documentation of all health assessments; treatments and follow-up care; responsibilities for alternating holiday and weekends; participation in training initiatives; active participation in quarterly sentinel health screening, Various minor responsibilities may also be assigned, including vivarium room round assignments and department needs. The Assistant Head of LARS serves as a key individual who handles researcher compliance training on all appropriate policies, procedures and techniques and administers assessments to measure effectiveness of training efforts.

• Ensure daily activities required for Animal Facility operations are properly and efficiently conducted in compliance with all local, state, federal regulations and accrediting agency guidelines (e.g., AAALAC, OLAW, USDA, etc.).
• Schedule and coordinate department training, including emergency preparedness training which will provide essential tools to develop proficiencies.
• Trains new LARS/Research members and provides working supervision to junior staff.
• Maintains records of training provided that will include at a minimum: a list of attendees at each session, the name and credentials of the person conducting the session, a copy of the documents/an outline of the training provided or reviewed during the session, and the results of any assessments provided.
• Provide for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe and sanitary manner.
• Observe animals for clinical signs of disease and behavioral changes and report observations to the Head of LARS.
• Provide and perform coverage for the LARS staff.
• Observe and report any aberrations in animal room environments (room temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, vermin, etc.).
• Schedule room break down, sanitize service rooms, equipment and hallways
• Sanitize animal room.
• Provide routine treatment for common disease problems and monitor health status as instructed by the Head of LARS or Veterinarian.
• Assist in the operation/maintenance of animal, breeding and procedure records.
• Administer special diets and water according to specified protocols/directions
• Receive, transport and distribute incoming and exporting animals as specified by established animal receiving procedures.
• Operate and maintain the cage washer, bottle filler, autoclave and other support equipment.
• Schedule, transport animal carcasses, biological waste products and general refuse.
• Schedule and maintain drug/blood and morgue refrigerators
• Perform collection of biological (blood, urine, fecal, rectal/nasal swabbing, etc.) for diagnostic testing
• Maintain various containment areas: quarantine, isolation, barrier, irradiation and biohazard (BSL-3).
• Process and preforms special service requests
• Serve as Back-up for the Head of LARS when unannounced inspector comes.
• Maintain the institutional autoclave biological, quarantine, sentinel and vermin control programs
• Performs administrative tasks
• Provide general technical assistance to other animal care/research staff.
• Maintains communication with and provides support for investigators.
• Recognizes deviations, unusual occurrences, and animal welfare concerns, notifying responsible individuals promptly, and reports findings to the Director of LARS and contributes to corrective actions.
• Assist with implementing changes as required and monitors effective solutions.
• Oversees, maintains inventory, and manages procurement and proper storage of husbandry supplies/consumables.
• Maintain and process the Transnety's Tag Center.
• Assists the Head of LARS with the move from NYC Center East building to Rye campus.
• The Assistant Head of LARS will perform the duties listed and other related duties as assigned or needed.
• Attending training programs to become more knowledgeable of and develop expertise in laboratory animal science.

Qualifications:

• Education
• High school diploma.

Experience

• Supervisory experience required.
• At least 5 years of experience in Barrier facility or performing duties in a related area.

Licenses / Certifications

• Purina's Laboratory Animal Certification and AALAS Certification Preferred