Laboratory Animal Technician II

Laboratory Animal Technician II

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Laboratory Animal Technician II 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:

Perform a variety of technician responsibilities and routine tasks incident to the care, feeding and maintenance of laboratory animals within animal care facilities at the University.

Essential Functions:



Perform routine animal husbandry activities in accordance with the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and established research protocols. Provide and maintain housing and food for all laboratory animal species. Observe, monitor and report health status of laboratory animals.

Clean and disinfect animal cages, pens and heavy floor grates via water hosing method or automatic machine cagewashing device. Mix chemical cleansing solutions and agents (e.g. bleach, acid cleaner and quatricides) to disinfect and sanitize bottles, pails, pans, cages and pens and entire work area. Sweep and mop floors using broom, mop or wet-n-dry vacuum. Remove soiled bedding and defecation into refuse cans to be incinerated or disposed of. Incinerate and/or dispose of carcasses accordingly.

Receive and properly store animal feed, bedding and supplies. Transport heavy animal feed and bedding bags using moving equipment to various locations. Identify animals; initiate and maintain applicable charts and records; handle various extremely light to very heavy animal species ranging in weight from 70g-100lbs. May assist in the transportation of animals and supplies via motor vehicle.

Assist in the care of research animals. Administer prescribed medications and treatments requiring the utilization and manipulation of a variety of medical apparatus (e.g. syringe, thermometer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), swabs, bandages, etc.). Perform diagnostic procedures as requested by research personnel and veterinary staff. Monitor post-operative status of laboratory animals, 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.

Assist in providing technical advice and assistance to student animal technicians. Instruct in animal health care, handling and appropriate medical procedures and techniques.

Attend departmental staff meetings. Participate in continuing education and employee training programs, i.e. yearly two week rotation in laboratory animal facility. 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.

Maintain safe working conditions at all times by using equipment and supplies following appropriate safety procedures; protect against controllable fairly predictable hazards wearing safety masks, goggles, gloves, 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 supplies. Maintain multi-specie brooding colonies and appropriate genetic recordkeeping.

Laboratory Animal Technicians (I & II) 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 or presently enrolled in an accredited Animal Health Technician training program.

Some experience in an accredited animal care facility.

State recognition as a licensed Animal Technician preferred.

Possession and maintenance of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license and satisfactory driving record as determined by University policy.

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

Ability to transport a variety of extremely light to very heavy laboratory animal species ranging in weight from 70g-100 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 of Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) the United Stated 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: $18.43

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.