OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

As a Research Animal Specialist 2, responsibilities include providing research support services, performing complex or non-standard husbandry requests, assisting in surgical procedures and injections, maintenance of facility and animal medical records, welfare monitoring and ensuring compliance standards are followed within the CCM animal facilities. Research Animal Specialists are required to work both independently and directly with the Animal Lab Manager and members of the Maus lab. This position involves daily exposure to laboratory animals, their waste products, and possibly chemical agents.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Following Duties are performed daily with minimal supervision:

• • Additional husbandry duties may include:
    • Working with team to address non-standard husbandry requests.
    • Implement environmental enrichment program and assesses animals for behavioral problems.
    • Changes enrichment devices based on knowledge of behavioral problems and proper therapies.
    • Assist in importation/quarantine, isolation, and housing of animals in the facility with any special health concerns to protect the health of other colony animals.
    • Perform containment and monitoring duties in the case of infection or disease health outbreaks or other bio-containment situations.

• Able to perform husbandry and health monitoring of animals in ABSL2 areas.
  • Works within prescribed protocols for chemical and biological hazards.

• Provides Research Support Services.

Support services may include the following:

• Must be fully capable of basic mouse handling and restraint techniques.
• Ensurethat prescribed clinical care is conducted for the research animals as necessary and delegated by researchers.
• Ensuring all procedures performed in the space adhere all applicable regulations and guidelines for animal welfare, care and use.
• Perform specific diagnostic procedures including blood and other tissue collection, general anesthesia, surgical preparation, oral gavage, in vivo imaging and euthanasia.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of all veterinary medications and supplies including controlled substances, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other animal use research supplies.
  • Monitors and ensures that post-operative procedures are in compliance with MGH policies and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
  • Provide drug administration to research animals.
  • Perform necropsies as necessary.
  • Keep records and provide breeding colony management when requested.
  • Able to provide specialized technical assistance to investigator as requested.

• Able to perform husbandry and health monitoring, updating Individual Animal Records when required.

• Orders and receives facility supplies.

• Responsible for the creation, validation and maintenance of visual controls within the facility.

• Creates and helps evaluate SOP drafts.

• Comply with CCM and MGH policies and standard operating procedures.
• The following duties may be performed daily with supervision by the Animal Lab manager:
• Reports progress of therapies to the team, veterinary staff, and PI staff via health card notifications and email.
• Catalogs and uses controlled substances to provide services or treatments.
• Prepares animals for export to other institutions.
• Ensures that animal identification, strain nomenclature and proper transportation equipment (transgel, nutritional supplements, sterilized bedding, escape proof containers, etc.) are used.

Qualifications
SKILLS AND COMPENTENCIES REQUIRED:

• Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of basic computer skills including email and Microsoft Outlook
• Ability to lift and move 50 lbs on a regular basis
• Long periods of standing
• Is able to problem solve within the scope of their job

EDUCATION:

Minimum Required: High School Diploma, GED or equivalent

Certificate: Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the ALAT or Certified Veterinary Technician.

In Lieu of the ALAT Certification, 2 years of lab animal experience and education may be considered as an equivalent

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 6 months of laboratory animal care experience.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for economical use of resources and time

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions.
  • Specifically, employees may be exposed to noise, dust, chemicals, and animal waste products. .
  • Appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required, accompanied by appropriate training.
• Employees are expected to conduct all work in a safe manner that includes maintaining knowledge of animal handling techniques consistent with the condition of the animal, protocol, regulations and department policy, including radioactive treatments and bodily fluids.

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.Partner's Healthcare is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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