Animal Caretaker II

Animal Caretaker II

Job ID: req4163
Employee Type: nonexempt full-time
Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program
Facility: NIH
Location: NIH Campus 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research is 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 is a comprehensive resource for scientists performing animal-based research to better understand cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. We provide veterinary care, regulatory support, and routine and specialized husbandry services. 
Our staff operates animal facilities in Bethesda and Frederick and provides high-quality animal care, including veterinary services, pre-operative and post-operative care, the quarantining of imported animals, reestablishing strains after an infection, clinical diagnoses, and molecular animal health monitoring to help investigators work with healthy animals appropriate for their research. 
We offer an integrated portfolio of state-of-the-art research animal programs spanning genetically engineered mouse models, gnotobiotics, genome modifications within cells and mice, assisted reproduction and animal husbandry, specimen preservation, pathology and histotechnology, imaging, molecular diagnostics, and regulatory support. 
 
  

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Variety of routine tasks associated with the general laboratory animal care in biomedical research
• Feeding and housing laboratory animals
• General laboratory animal housekeeping
• Cleaning tasks associated with the upkeep of a research animal facility
• Ordering and stocking supplies
• Keeping simple records
• Utilizing computer skills for email, training, and basic data entry
• Operate automatic washing and cleaning equipment
• Work schedule may include weekend and holiday hours
• Collecting hair, fecal and blood samples for diagnostic testing
• Must have a valid driver license
• Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous material, including biological and chemical carcinogen or radiological materials or may be located in areas where such materials are used, require the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to strict safety protocol

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of a high school degree
• In addition to the education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of laboratory animal care experience with high school diploma
  • OR one (1) year of job-related animal care experience and ALAT certification
• Ability to keep basic records
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and wear respiratory protective equipment as necessary
• Basic knowledge of computers
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Ability to handle laboratory animals
• Requires valid driver’s license
• Ability to multi-task
• Eagerness to learn new skills
• 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 atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a respirator, requiring a 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, 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. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

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