Vivarium Operations Associate I

Job Title: Vivarium Operations Associate I
Location: Cambridge, MA
Duration: 18 months
Shift timings: 7AM to 3 PM EST (Monday to Sunday) Days are not fixed

Role Summary:
Job Purpose :

• This role is an experienced animal care and vivarium operations position responsible for supporting research by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, vivarium operational service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.

Major Accountabilities:

• Principally responsible for daily husbandry to animals (predominantly rodents, some small animal USDA), clinical observations, maintenance of the animal facilities (sanitation of animal rooms & equipment), receipt of incoming animals & supplies, fulfilling research requests, animal transfers and relocations.
• Often responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines. Maintenance of relevant facility/animal records. Make independent decisions regarding operational standards/situations.
• Responsible for pursing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.
• Driven by the needs of our scientific partner/collaborator, limited routine technical procedures on animals may also be assigned.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be required.
• Key Performance Indicators (Indicate how performance will be measured: indicators, activities...)
• Provide consistent and high quality on-site animal care and vivarium maintenance
• Effectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable operational skills as required
• Team oriented and interactive. Foster peer/team development and performance
• Strong attention to completion of tasks in an efficient/consistent manner
• Continuously support Vivarium Operations Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Continuously pursue educational and professional development opportunities to enhance and expand relevant skills and knowledge
• Identify and resolve on-site vivarium operational issues/challenges
• Execute detail-specific operational support

Ideal Background:
Education:

• GED or High School degree required, 2-year degree in Veterinary Technology, 4-year Science degree, or a combination of experience with higher education preferred
• ALAT Certification desirable or pursued after start
• Working knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPs
• Thorough understanding and comprehension of operational standards, processes, equipment, etc. as they relate to operational responsibilities
• Experience: Strong experience (2 4 years) working with animals or performing animal husbandry in a research setting.
• Qualified candidates will have a strong commitment to providing quality research support, be dedicated to providing consistent, humane animal care in accordance with Laboratory Animal Care regulations/standards.
• Candidates must be reliable, independent, work well in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment and have well developed interpersonal & communication skills.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and move heavy objects.
• Must be able work from a standing position for prolonged time periods and perform repetitive motion tasks. Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather.

Competency Profile:

Characteristics:

• Strong commitment to providing humane, consistent, and high quality daily care to research animals
• Strong interpersonal skills (transparency, professionalism, communication)
• Strong sense of personal accountability, reliability and integrity
• Team-oriented and interactive. Fosters peer/team development and performance.
• Organized, effective time management, detail-oriented, thorough and consistent
• Ability to independently identify and resolve standard vivarium operational issues/challenges
• Self-starter requiring no daily oversight
• Open to supporting transitional operations and schedule changes
• Committed to professional development and continuous learning

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of animal care expectations/responsibilities
• Knowledge of facility operational parameters and standards
• Recognition of typical/atypical animal health and behaviors
• Effective time management/prioritization for operational expectations/responsibilities
• Knowledge of Federal, state and local Animal Welfare regulations and recommendations
• ALAT or higher certification desirable

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal required, presentation desirable)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook required, database use desirable
• Able to lift 50 lbs., move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged periods and perform repetitive motion tasks
• Able to perform standard animal care responsibilities.
• Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather