The Vivarium Manager oversees and coordinates the daily operation of the animal care facility, schedules all daily husbandry and animal-related activities, and manages the animal-care staff (union and student positions). This position will report to the Director and will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Animal Facility. This position will be responsible for the health and welfare of the laboratory animals under their direction and the animal care and technical staff assigned to maintain these animals. Accountability includes ensuring that all policies, procedures and programs are conducted in compliance with all institutional, city, state and federal regulations and guidelines, including; AAALAC-I, OLAW, NIH, NSF, CDC, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, USDA and the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC). Works closely with research staff members to insure the care and use of laboratory animals is conducted following established policies and procedures and to assist them with their research goals. This position will develop procedures and policies to meet all institutional, local, state and federal guidelines and regulations. This person will serve as a role model for staff and students.
Job Responsibilities:
Ensures that all animal rooms are observed on a daily basis to monitor for sick, impaired or dead animals, and reports unusual findings to the SC Director and attending veterinarian. Monitors environmental changes in animal rooms and reports deviations to Facilities Maintenance; follows up to ensure repairs are made timely and completely.
Coordinates treatment with the attending Veterinarian for animals in need
Responsible for maintaining necessary supply and equipment inventories to operate the day-to-day operation of the animal care program, including; feed/bedding, sanitation supplies, office supplies, cage equipment, autoclave/sterilization supplies and other supplies and equipment as needed. Maintains records of all animal orders, supplies and equipment.
Develops and maintains animal records including health observations, cage-card labels, autoclave records, cagewash records, cage census, waste disposal (including biohazard waste) logs and other records as required. Provides daily treatments and maintains health records.
Provides oversight and training to husbandry staff (animal technicians and student workers). Training animal care staff in the following: aseptic microisolator cage-changing techniques, room sanitation, autoclave operation, cage-wash operations, waste disposal and other husbandry duties as required. Outlines the job responsibilities of animal care staff under supervision, including the daily husbandry assignments of the animal care staff. Works collaboratively with SC leadership to optimize work schedules and work flow to optimize productivity and integration within all SC facilities. Coordinates and assigns the removal of waste disposal from animal rooms, including hazardous waste. Ensures that all staff understands and work in compliance with approved protocols.
Orders animals from approved vendors
Provides technical support and assistance to research staff.
Euthanasia
Injections
Obtain biological samples
Assists in surgical procedures
Blood withdrawal
Participate in training students in proper handling and restrain methods
Member of the IACUC responsible for scheduling meetings and preparation of the minutes/biannual reports to Institutional Official (serves as IACUC Coordinator)
Maintains records of all current research protocols
Prepares OLAW, USDA, PHS, and AAALAC reports; maintains inventory for DEA Controlled Substances Registration and oversees administration of controlled substances within the facility.
Provides general husbandry with the Animal Technician(s)
Depending on qualifications, may hold DEA and MA Controlled Substances Registration for Animal Facility activities
Reports to:
Science Center Director
Supervision:
Student workers
Contacts:
Interacts with Faculty, staff and students in direct relation of research projects and Student laboratories.
Main contact for the consulting Veterinarian on animal issues.
Minimum Requirements:
B.S. Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Science, or related preferred
5 years lab animal experience, preferably with demonstrated progressive administrative experience
DVM or AALAS certified LATG
This position normally works Monday through Friday with rotational weekend and holiday assignments. The animal facilities are staffed 365 days per year and this position will be required to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
Wellesley College offers a wide variety of benefits programs and resources to its employees, including:
Generous paid time off
Following one year of employment, Wellesley College will contribute up to 10.5% towards your 403B plan for eligible employees
Resources to navigate student loan forgiveness
Free use of the athletic/fitness facilities, including onsite fitness classes
Free on-site parking in an enclosed parking garage
All employees hired are strongly encouraged to be up to date with all vaccination and boosters against COVID‐19.
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