Laboratory Animal Technician

Laboratory Animal Technician

Job ID: req4098
Employee Type: nonexempt full-time
Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.  The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

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

• Daily Tasks associated with the care, breeding, and treatment of research animals for experimental purposes
• Management of rodent breeding colonies consisting of multiple, genetically complex strains and associated record keeping and database management
• Colony management procedures including animal identification, weaning, and potentially tail clipping
• Data entry consistent with complex colony management
• Collection of routine diagnostic samples
• Coordinating shipment of live animals and specimens
• Observation and recording of physical signs of animal health
• Knowledge of safe working practices using chemical carcinogen and biological hazards
• Work schedule does include weekend and holiday hours

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of a high school diploma
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience
• Any combination of education and progressively responsible technical experience which qualifies the candidate to sit for the LAT Certification Exam within 12 months of hire -or- an associate’s degree in Life Sciences or Veterinary Technology.
  • Will encourage achievement of LAT certification; however, this is not a requirement.
• 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 appropriately and effectively handle rodent research animals
• Knowledge of policies and regulations governing care and use of research animals
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities
• Knowledge of routine tasks associated with general laboratory animal care
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and to wear respiratory protection equipment if necessary
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• ALAT Certification
• Ability to multi-task
• Excellent written, oral communication
• Willingness to learn new procedures
• Excellent organization and observation skills

JOB HAZARDS

• 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 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

Commitment to Diversity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. 

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