Rodent/Exotics Veterinary Technician at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department

BSD ARC - Veterinary Services 2



About the Department

The mission of the Animal Resources Center (ARC) is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals. The Animal Resources Center (ARC) at The University of Chicago is responsible for the use and care of all research animals on campus. The ARC manages 6 facilities and a business office. Its sections are as follows: husbandry, maintenance, operations, veterinary care, finance and administration. The unit merged with the Office of Shared Research Facilities managing all of the BSD cores on campus.



Job Summary

The job performs routine laboratory data collection and analysis to support clinical research, and assists in specialty research involving animals, MRI technologies, histology, among others.


Under minimal supervision from the Director of Rodent Clinical Services, provides general assistance to veterinary and investigative staff. Performs routine observation health rounds and treatments of rodent and exotics population, provides training of investigative staff, provides post approval monitoring on rodents, and shares weekend rotation with other veterinary technicians.



Responsibilities

• Performs health assessments, analgesic management, and medical care of rodents and 'exotic' species (i.e. frogs, hamsters, birds, zebrafish) independently under veterinary supervision. Communicates with veterinarians, husbandry staff, and investigative staff and assists with training and advising investigators, research, and animal facility staff including animal handling, animal health, and technical procedures. Records and maintains complete and accurate records documentation. Provides and supports technical procedures.
  
  


• Assists with the rodent quarantine and health monitoring programs. Assists with the shipment and receipt of animals coming from external/non-approved sources to quarantine, transfer of animals from quarantine to procedural facilities, collects diagnostic samples, manages outbreak response in conjunction with veterinarians, and performs necropsies.
  
  


• Assists with the shipment and receipt of animals coming from external/non-approved sources to quarantine and perform duties in quarantine facility.
  
  


• Share rotation for health assessments on weekends and holidays with other rodent veterinary technicians.
  
  


• Understand aquatics life support systems and how to interpret aquatics water quality testing results.
  
  


• Assist with the collection and processing of environmental samples from all facilities (i.e. water quality testing, ATP swabs, etc.).
  
  


• Understand the regulations that pertain to the laboratory animal field. Be able to read IACUC protocols and understand IACUC polices and guidelines to assist investigators and ensure compliance.
  
  


• Under guidance and direction, analyzes clinical samples and specimens and reports results. Prepares specimens for examination, and looks for abnormalities using automated equipment, and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously.
  
  


• Conducts new tests and, research on new technologies for implementation in the laboratory. Solves routine or standard problems relating to the collection and management of results and data.
  
  


• Has general awareness of safety, quality control, and quality assurance procedures. Maintains quality and safety control measures for the laboratory.
  
  


• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.



Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through

Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a field relevant to the research being conducted.
  
  

Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience with biomedical research environment.
  
  


• 1-3 years of experience in a research animal setting.
  
  


• Prior experience with rodent technical procedures.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications:

• AALAS certification at any level.
  
  

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
  
  


• Ability to interact and communicate effectively, oral and written, with faculty, investigators, administrators, staff and outside vendors.
  
  


• Ability to initiate problem solving and to prioritize tasks strongly preferred.
  
  


• Good judgment and decision-making skills.
  
  


• Good computer skills.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Requires sitting at computer station, office environment and standing, walking to animal facilities and working in biological safety cabinets.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
  


• Cover Letter (preferred)
  
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family

Research



Role Impact

Individual Contributor



Scheduled
Weekly Hours

40



Drug Test Required



No



Health Screen Required



Yes



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



No



Pay Rate Type

Hourly



FLSA Status

Non-Exempt



Pay Range

$25.00 - $36.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.



Benefits Eligible

Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.


Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Apply Now