This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.
The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.
Summary
Under general supervision, oversees the day-to-day operations of an exceptionally large, complex and diverse animal research facility(ies) as measured by square footage, number of programs and housing capacity; ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines in all animal research laboratories within area of responsibility. Educates, guides, and trains others in the proper care, treatment, and use of animals in research.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manages the laboratory animal program to include development and implementation of animal biotechnical practices and care procedures to comply with local, state, and federal animal care regulations and guidelines and sustains a written program and practices that supports accreditation by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).
Provides advice and assistance to senior management in the planning implementation and evaluation of modifications to existing operations, systems, and procedures.
Supervises a diverse team of technical staff who provide care of research animals and technical assistance to research laboratories; allocates work, provides training and guidance, resolves personnel problems, and participates in hiring, performance evaluation, and disciplinary decisions.
Plans and oversees the daily operations in multiple types of animal research technology resources (barrier clean rooms, biocontainment, genetic breeding models, imaging, behavior testing, and metabolism testing) that involve frequent inspections, environmental monitoring, equipment troubleshooting, operator maintenance, and repair and consultation on space and equipment usage.
Maintains and oversees animal and environmental quality assurance programs.
Under the direction of a veterinarian, formulates medications to concentrations suitable for small laboratory animals, Administers medications and treatments to animals; prepares animals for surgery; performs surgery and euthanasia.
Conducts and oversees technical services to include inoculations, euthanasia and collections of tissues or blood samples for research analysis.
Maintains a broad scope of laboratory animal programmatic records to include animal health, environmental quality, equipment inventory and maintenance, procurement, and billing (technical service, census, veterinary supplies and pharmaceuticals).
Oversees the purchase of large equipment, feed, animal health supplies, and animals; interacts with vendors, prepares requests for proposals, and initiates purchase orders.
Teaches small animal biotechnology methods to include handling, restraint, dosing, breeding management, surgery, anesthesia, euthanasia, and record keeping to faculty, staff and students.
Represents the department when lecturing on animal husbandry, environmental issues related to animals, and careers in animal sciences to community organizations and schools.
Assists in the annual budget planning process and regularly monitors expenditures and tracks census by housing type.
Serves as a member of various pertinent local and national committees and organizations.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
Successful completion of at least 60 college-level credit hours; at least 8 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
Knowledge of animal husbandry requirements, methods, and techniques.
Employee development and performance management skills.
Ability to prepare bids, requests for quotes, and proposals in compliance with University business policies and the New Mexico procurement code.
Knowledge of alternative sources for animal research stock and animal research/ husbandry equipment and supplies.
Knowledge of the proper installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of animal research equipment.
Ability to set up, organize, and coordinate the operations of a large, complex animal resource facility.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
Ability to develop and maintain husbandry, safety, and infection control written programs and operating, procedures.
Ability to formulate and administer medications and treatments to laboratory animals according to prescribed protocol.
Ability to perform surgical procedures on animals according to research protocol.
Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
Ability to extract, collect, and process animal tissue and blood samples.
Knowledge of rodent genetic nomenclature, phenotypes, and breeding paradigms.
Knowledge of laboratory animal care and research relevant regulations, policies and accreditation standards.
Ability to teach small animal research and husbandry biotechnology methods.
Conditions of Employment
Successful candidate must submit to a pre-placement medical clearance through Employee Occupational Health Services.
If applicable, able to clear FBI Security Risk Assessment & Local Suitability Asmnt for access to Select Agents & Toxins, as defined by 42 CFR 73 Posession Use and Transfer of Select Agents & Toxins.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Moderate physical effort. Requires moderate lifting, handling, pushing, or moving objects up to 35 lbs. Standing/walking may occur more than 50% of time.
Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.
