Lab Animal Leader, Department of Laboratory Animal Resources

Lab Animal Leader, Department of Laboratory Animal Resources

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Lab Animal Leader, Department of Laboratory Animal Resources at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

POSITION PURPOSE:

Oversee, coordinate and participate in various tasks incident to the care, feeding and maintenance of laboratory animals within an animal care facility or facilities at the University.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Coordinate and participate in routine animal husbandry activities to ensure adherence to standards and guidelines set forth by the National Institute for Health (NIH) the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and established research protocols. Oversee, assign and monitor the work activities of subordinate Laboratory Animal Technicians and student animal technicians engaged in the care and maintenance of a variety of laboratory animal species.

Participate in and oversee a variety of medical procedures; perform diagnostic procedures, administer medications and collect biological samples requiring the utilization and manipulation of a variety of medical apparatus (e.g. syringe, thermometer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), swab, bandage, etc.) as well as specialized techniques and treatments. Monitor post operative status of laboratory animal; evaluate animal condition and report any observed health problem or related emergency situation to clinical veterinarian, research investigator or appropriate supervisor. Maintain related medical charts and records.

Maintain inventory of animal feed and other related supplies and equipment for assigned area on a weekly basis. Order, receive, and dispense animal feed, bedding and supplies. Transport heavy animal feed and bedding bags using moving equipment to various locations. Provide signatory authority on appropriate animal receiving reports. Identify animals; initiate and maintain applicable charts and records; catch, restrain and cage various extremely light to very heavy animal species ranging in weight from 70g-100 lbs. Maintain daily paperwork and records.

Oversee repair of or report malfunction of any animal facility equipment, e.g. cagewashers, automatic watering rack, flush units, light-timing units, etc. Access ceiling air filters and vents for cleaning and maintenance. Oversee and maintain auxiliary areas, e.g. treatment, necropsy and cold rooms, food and bedding supply areas. Transport refuse and empty into large outdoor dumpsters.

Perform various tasks incident to the care and feeding of animals. Assist in the transportation of animals and supplies via motor vehicle. Clean animal cages and pens via water hosing method or automatic machine cagewashing device; mix chemical cleansing solutions and agents (e.g. bleach, acid cleaner, and tri-quat) to disinfect and sanitize cages, pens, pails, bottles and entire work area. Remove soiled bedding and defecation into refuse cans to be incinerated or disposed of in dumpster. Sweep and mop floors using push broom, dry mop or wet-n-dry vacuum. Incinerate deceased animals and dispose of remains accordingly.

Responsible for assigning and overseeing duties and routines of subordinate laboratory animal technicians and student animal technicians in assigned area. Provide functional supervision; establish work schedules and monitor completion of assigned duties and routines. Instruct in animal health care, handling and appropriate medical procedures and techniques. Recommend selection, termination and disciplinary actions. Provide input on performance evaluations of support staff.

Participate in continuing education and employee training programs, i.e. yearly two week rotation in laboratory hospital facility. Attend departmental staff meetings. May serve on animal protocol committee. May require rotation through several on-campus and off-campus research facilities and knowledge of proper aseptic techniques for handling immunocompromised rodent colonies.

Interact with research investigators, clinical veterinarians and other professionals concerning research protocols, medical procedure techniques and other related matters. Notify research investigator or clinical veterinarian regarding any observed changes to animal condition, behavior or appearance; monitor and follow-up as necessary.

Maintain safe working conditions at all times by using equipment and supplies in accordance with appropriate safety procedures; protect against controllable fairly predictable hazards by wearing safety masks, gloves, goggles, boots, and other protective clothing. Complete work assignments represented by frequent handling and transporting of semi-sedentary to very heavy animal species and other equipment and materials. Maintain multi-specie brooding colonies and appropriate genetic record keeping.

Laboratory Animal Leaders are considered to be “Essential Personnel” and are required to report during a university emergency closure period.

Perform related work as assigned.

THIS DESCRIPTION IS INTENDED TO INDICATE THE KINDS OF TASKS AND LEVELS OF WORK DIFFICULTY THAT WILL BE REQUIRED OF POSITIONS THAT WILL BE GIVEN THIS TITLE AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS DECLARING WHAT THE SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ANY PARTICULAR POSITION SHALL BE. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO LIMIT OR IN ANY WAY MODIFY THE RIGHT OF ANY SUPERVISOR TO ASSIGN, DIRECT AND CONTROL THE WORK OF EMPLOYEES UNDER THEIR SUPERVISION. THE USE OF A PARTICULAR EXPRESSION OR ILLUSTRATION DESCRIBING DUTIES SHALL NOT BE HELD TO EXCLUDE OTHER DUTIES NOT MENTIONED THAT ARE OF SIMILAR KIND OR LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY.

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technology Program.

Considerable experience and knowledge in the care, feeding and handling of various laboratory species.

State recognition as a licensed Veterinary Technician preferred.

Ability to coordinate the work of a moderate sized staff of hourly and full time technicians.

Possession and maintenance of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license.

Ability to transport a variety of extremely light to very heavy laboratory animal species ranging from 70g100 lbs.

Ability to perform a variety of medical procedures and treatments utilizing specialized instruments and apparatuses, e.g. syringe, thermometer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), swab, bandage, x-ray and film development techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Must obtain security clearance.

Knowledge of National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Association for Accreditation of LaboratoryAnimal Care (AAALAC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) standards and guidelines.

School/College/Division:

H69 - Research Support

Primary department:

H6901 - Laboratory Animal Resources

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Hourly Wage
• Hourly rate: $21.17
  

Working conditions:

Standing most of the day Bending, pushing pulling, animal equipment on wheels Occasional lifting of 40-60 lb. animals (dogs/pigs) Animal noise, odor, etc. This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
  

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.