Animal Research Support Specialist

SHIFT:

Any (United States of America)

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We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

A Brief Overview

Under the direction of the supervisor, the primary responsibility of this role is to provide veterinary support for scientific protocols involving rodents and large animal species.

Duties also include observing animals and reporting abnormalities, sickness and injury. May assist in diagnostic and preventative procedures or treatment of animals. May assist in colony management. Maintains medical records and inventory. May assist in capture or restraint of animals. Performs related responsibilities as required.

This position requires rotating holiday and weekend coverage to ensure adequate veterinary care is provided to animals 7 days a week.

What You Will Do

• Research Support
• Advise investigators and program staff regarding procedural issues
• Ensure necessary resources, supplies, animals and rooms are available for studies
• Collect and record experimental data for procedures
• Observe animals and report abnormalities, sickness, and injury
• Maintains departmental medical records and inventory
• Assist in diagnostic and preventive procedures or treatment of animals
• May assist in capture and restraint of animals
• Quality Assurance
• Oversee the coordination of animal procurement and receiving to ensure receipt of only disease free animals
• Conduct necropsies and collect biological samples for diagnostics to include parasitology, bacteriology, serology and histopathology
• Ensure compliance with IACUC protocols
• Training
• Interpret relevant policies and procedures for incoming investigators and staff
• Conduct training of research technicians, faculty, and staff regarding utilization of research animals, as needed
• General Administrative
• Participate in development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure accreditation and compliance with federal laws
• Maintain detailed animal health and diagnostic test records
• Maintain records in accordance with relevant agency guidelines to include the state of Pennsylvania, Public Health Service, the USDA, and AAALAC.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma / GED Required
• Associate's Degree Veterinary Technology Preferred
  
  

Experience Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of veterinary or animal related experience Required
• At least two (2) years of technical veterinary experience Preferred
• Previous anesthesia/surgical support experience Preferred
• Previous technical veterinary experience in a laboratory animal environment Preferred
• Previous animal care technician experience Preferred
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Intermediate knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements related to animal care/use in research
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to change
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) - - Preferred or
• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) - Pennsylvania State Licensing Board - - Preferred or
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - - Preferred or
• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - - Preferred
  
  

To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.

Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.

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