Laboratory Animal Technician

Laboratory Animal Technician

Job ID: req2832
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 focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease. The Animal Research Technical Support (ARTS) team within LASP utilizes advanced methodologies to perform research into the development of new cancer models, targeted diagnostics, and cancer therapies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Lab Animal Technician, you will be working closely with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment on multiple basic and translational cancer research projects simultaneously.  Work covered by the ARTS team includes management of various genetically engineered mouse model colonies as well as experimental studies, e.g. tumorigenesis, toxicity, PK/PD, cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy studies on xenograft/allograft, PDX, or genetically engineered mouse models.  Responsibilities include working closely with senior technical staff on supporting colony management or aspects of experimental studies.  Specific responsibilities include:

•  Rodent colony management tasks such as breeder setup, weaning, tagging, and tailing.
•  Technical procedures such as collection of blood and tissue specimens, tumor measurements, and body weight measurements.
•  Monitoring phenotypes and treatment responses.
•  Performing detailed necropsy procedures to collect blood and tissues.
•  Collecting and recording study data using electronic instruments and databases.
• Working with potentially hazardous radiological, chemical, and biological materials.
•  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: 

• 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- Associate degree in Life Sciences of Veterinary Technology. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Will encourage achievement of LAT Certification; however, this is not a requirement. 
• In addition to education requirement, a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience
•  Experience in colony management associated tasks
• Ability to work in a team and communicate with management in a demanding scientific environment
•  Ability to maintain precise, accurate records utilizing different software platforms
•  Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and ACUC guidelines
•  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 preferred
•  Excellent organization and observation skills
• Experience in performing rodent related techniques such as injections via various routes, blood and tissue collection
• Excellent time management and organization skills; ability to multi-task and work under time constraints
  
• 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 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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