Lab Animal Research Specialist
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. The Center for Advanced Preclinical Research (CAPR) within LASP develops preclinical model systems for evaluation of cancer therapeutics and biomarker discovery, to facilitate the translation of research findings to the clinic. Mouse models for cancer are developed or retooled for application to studies assessing small molecule drugs, immunotherapy, and other novel treatments. The Lab Animal Research Specialist will perform a key role in supporting multiple preclinical studies.
KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform a variety of duties in support of CAPR operations:
- Animal technical functions such as tail clipping and ear notching
- Weekly body weights
- Animal health observations
- Dosing by several compound administration routes/methodologies
- Mandibular bleeds
- Animal surgeries and diagnostic sampling for inter-building transfers
- Tumor detection and measurement by various methods
- Performing animal necropsies
- Data entry and management in several databases and Excel workbooks
- Learning, understanding, and implementing required compliance protocols (e.g. Animal Care and Use Committee registries), animal welfare guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOP)
- Work schedule may include weekend and holiday hours
- Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous material, including biological and chemical carcinogen materials, or may be located in areas where such materials are used and the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to strict safety protocols will be required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:
- Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
- Any combination of education and progressively responsible technical experience which qualifies the candidate to sit for the LATG Certification exam within 12 months of hire or Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Veterinary Technology. Will encourage achievement of LATG Certification, however this is not required
- Ability to perform a variety of technical procedures on laboratory animals (rodents)
- Ability to keep computer records and maintain/update data in computer-based applications/databases
- Detailed and accurate record keeping skills
- Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures for animal facilities, and the basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals
- Experience in rodent handling, and husbandry
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance