Research Associate II, Lab Animal

Research Associate II, Lab Animal

Job ID: req2625
Employee Type: exempt 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

•  Performing rodent colony management and maintenance of real-time animal colony database (TOPAZ).
•  Designing optimal breeding strategies based on genotyping results.
•  Independently designing and scheduling experimental studies.
•  Performing experiments including surgical procedures utilizing experimental compounds and chemical carcinogens.
•  Performing injections via various routes.
•  Monitoring phenotypes and treatment responses.
•  Performing detailed necropsy procedures to collect blood and tissues.
•  Collecting and recording tumor measurements and body weights utilizing electronic instruments and databases.
•  Working with potentially hazardous radiological, chemical, and biological materials.
•  Training and mentoring of husbandry staff on proper animal care, equipment maintenance, and sanitization procedures.
•  Providing guidance, coordination, and delegation of husbandry/technical staff by ensuring appropriate supplies are available.
•  Record keeping and database maintenance.
•  Assisting in conducting animal experiment.
• Work schedule may 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 Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a field related to the biomedical or veterinary sciences or four (4) years equivalent experience in the appropriate field in lieu of degree.  Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• In addition to education requirement, a minimum of five (5) years of laboratory animal technical experience.
•  Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures.
•  Experience in performing experimental procedures including injections and compound administration. 
•  Ability to maintain precise, accurate records utilizing different software platforms.
•  Excellent time management and organization skills; ability to multi-task and work under time constraints.
•  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 obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

•  Excellent written and oral communication.
•  Excellent organizational/observational skills.
•  Computer/data entry.
•  Ability to multi-task.

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.
• This position is subject to working with radioactive material and requires to become an approved radiation worker.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

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