Research Support Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Review, comprehend and comply with all SOP's and quality assurance standards pertaining to specific area. 
• Supports and assists in research protocols and works independently of day to day oversight.
• Provides technical and husbandry support for rodents within the facilities.
• Ensures that cages are labeled correctly with information regarding strain or lineage, sex and sexual status of mice and rats.  Updates cage cards as necessary.
• Provides animal identification, i.e. ear notching, tail tattoo or transponder, as indicated.
• Monitors availability of space and caging and communicates that information to the PM.
• Monitors environmental parameters and reports problems to the PM.
• Assists with the supervision of specialized care of animals including preparation of special diets and medicated water, care of immature, aged and special animals.
• Conduct daily health assessments and report findings to the Attending Veterinarian.
• Administer drugs or treatments to animals as directed.
• Ensure that proper veterinary care and treatment for animals is maintained and records are documented completely.
• May be required to perform IP, IM. ID, and SQ injections, oral gavage, submandibular, eye, and cardiac bleeds, full body perfusion and dissection.
• May be required to become proficient at performing surgical services such as jugular, carotid, or femoral vessel cannulation; CSF collection; stereotaxic intracranial implants; and liver resection.
• Interface with research staff to assist with logistics and scheduling of projects, and conduct research and laboratory support services as directed
• Conducts behavioral testing on rats and mice to assess locomotor, cognitive, sensory, and emotional function.
• Complies with safety policies, procedures and SDS guidelines, including those related to biohazards and radioactive substances.
• Handles large, aged rats gently and calmly
• Maintain all related logs and spreadsheets for data storage
• Maintains required attendance level and adherence to work schedule in accordance with required staffing levels in order to ensure that assigned duties are completed.
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:  HS diploma or GED equivalency required.
• Experience/Certification:  1-year experience with research animals + LAT certification OR Bachelor of Science in Animal Science or similar + 3 years of experience working with research animals OR 10-13 years of experience working with research animals.