Animal Health Technician I at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages and accessories, maintenance and general janitorial duties in animal facilities,  equipment maintenance, basic QA testing, processing deliveries from vendors and performing basic rodent husbandry tasks based on standard operating procedures and training to ensure compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Animal Welfare Act and Regulations as well as all applicable federal, state, local and institutional laws, regulations, policies and guidelines.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

AHT 1, LEVEL A:

• Cleans, sanitizes/sterilizes, and maintains rodent cages, accessories, and equipment including large cage washers and sterilizing equipment. .


• Maintains and verifies sanitization/sterilization parameters and prepares specialized caging when required.


• Maintains sufficient supply of clean cages and accessories for use by technicians/investigators.


• Maintains stock and cleanliness of animal rooms and common areas.


• Manages animal carcasses in soiled cage wash and other procedure rooms for disposal.


• Performs general janitorial duties including sweeping, mopping, disinfecting, and trash disposal.


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

AHT 1, LEVEL B: IN ADDITION TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEVEL A

• Cleans, sanitizes and/or sterilizes multi-species (including NHP, amphibians and aquatics) cages, equipment and accessories.


• Removes and processes biohazard waste materials from caging and from facilities.


• Maintains storage rooms with appropriate levels of tools and caging materials.


• Manages USDA covered species carcasses in soiled cage wash, necropsy and other procedure rooms for disposal.


• Collects cages targeted for euthanasia and performs euthanasia as needed.


• Performs basic husbandry tasks which can include preparing disinfectant solutions, preparing caging supplies, and processing stock equipment and materials.


• Assists with creating Standard Operating Procedures and training lower level staff.

AHT 1, LEVEL C: IN ADDITION TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEVEL A/B

• Receives and processes all deliveries of equipment and materials from vendors.


• Assists with QA testing and tracking (e.g.: luminometer/ ATP, airflow, etc.).


• Performs husbandry health/line checks and cage changes, assists with additional equipment maintenance.


• Supports Rodent Sentinel health monitoring program with acquisition of bedding samples as assigned using approved techniques.

What we Require

• No prior experience or training (AHT I, Level A)


• Minimum 6 months of related work experience (AHT 1, Level B)


• Minimum 1 year of related work experience (AHT I, Level C)


• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• Preferred: AALAS Certification – ALAT or higher level.  


• Preferred: Experience working in a lab animal environment


• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office and Excel preferred


• Other skills required: Must be able to work weekends and holidays as well as shifted work weeks such as Wednesday – Sunday or Saturday – Wednesday.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $16.85 to $20.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.