Spec, Lab Animal Research in Bethesda, MD

Description

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION        

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease, which are aimed at the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. LASP contributes to advancing human health, developing new treatments, and improving existing treatments for cancer and other diseases while ensuring safe and humane treatment of animals.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform technical functions such as blood draws, injections, swab cultures in support of research studies utilizing nonhuman primates (NHP) models
• Performs specialized experimental procedures utilizing nonhuman primates including administration of drugs, presurgical preparation, minor surgical biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage, bone marrow collection, anesthesia monitoring, post-surgical care
• Observes animals and must be able to describe, record, and report various conditions of the animal's health and general physical condition
  
• Ensures adherence to standard operating procedures, corporate policies, and safety regulations.
  
• Maintains a proper living environment for nonhuman primates including general animal husbandry, enrichment, behavioral assessment, social housing, and training
  
• Performs general animal husbandry and technician functions in support of research studies utilizing nonhuman primate models
  
• Maintain complete and accurate animal records, inventory databases, and facility documentation
  
• Coordinating shipment specimens
  
• Work requires the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to strict protocols
  
• Work schedule may include weekend and holiday hours
  
• Other duties as assigned
  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college and university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or any combination of education and progressively responsible technical experience which qualifies the candidate to sit for the LATG Certification exam within 12 months of hire 
• Foreign degrees must be evaluated for US equivalency
• Experience handling nonhuman primates in a research facility including a variety of experimental procedures
  
• Experience in performing experimental procedures.
  
• Ability to maintain precise, accurate records
  
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and the basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals and performing scientific procedures involving animal testing and data collection.
  
• Ability to wear lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and wear personal protective equipment.
  
• Ability to work in a team and communicate with management in a demanding scientific environment
  
• Ability to keep detailed and accurate computer records and maintain/update data in computer-based applications/databases
  
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• LAT certification and ability to pass LATG exam within 12 months of hire
  
• Excellent observation and organization skills
  
• Experience in performing surgical procedures on rodents
  
• Ability to multi-task
  
• Computer/data entry skills
  
• Excellent written and oral communications skills

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations
• This position is subject to atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a medical clearance
• This position is subject to working in or have the potential to exposure to high noise levels for extended periods of time requiring medical clearance
• This position may require continuous or intermittent exposure to and exertion in environmental conditions such as working outdoors, temperature extremes, humidity extremes. etc. as part of the job