Summary

Provides technical expertise within a defined specialty area of lab animal research. Advises principal investigators regarding optimal research conditions and guides lower-level animal technicians in areas pertaining to the specialty. Assists with the development and implementation of improved processes related to lab management. Leads the day-to-day work of others and performs all routine husbandry care activities for a variety of animal species.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides technical expertise to researchers, lower-level lab animal technicians, and others regarding specialized areas of lab animal research, such as ultra-sonography or breeding, and advises principal investigators regarding optimal research conditions related to area of expertise.
2. Leads lower-level lab animal technicians in all aspects general husbandry care for a variety of animals, ensuring compliance with University, local, state and federal regulations.
3. Maintains equipment, databases, and/or other resources related to the area of expertise, such as detailed genetic data, complex ultra-sonography equipment, etc.
4. Assists with the development and implementation of revised policies and procedures; may perform research into available technologies, emerging methodologies, or other relevant subject matter to assist with lab management.
5. Performs advanced animal care activities associated with the area of expertise, as well as all routine animal care activities of an animal laboratory, to include routine veterinary care, breeding colony maintenance, pre-surgical treatments, surgical assistance, post-surgical care, cage card and records maintenance, and maintenance of equipment and caging.
6. Conducts standardized testing and collection of research data under the direction of investigators.
7. Maintains lab, storage areas, and treatment rooms on a daily basis including sweeping and mopping floors; sanitizes equipment and instruments according to established procedures.
8. Receives and verifies shipments against purchase orders, bills of lading, and other documents; stores animal feed and supplies in a neat and orderly manner; rotates feed as required to ensure freshness; monitors feed supplies to ensure adequate availability.
9. Provides guidance to others regarding handling, immobilization, anesthesia, analgesia, euthanasia and post-surgical care for animals.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: Laboratory Animal Technician Certification under the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Required.
• 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 effectively communicate complex technical concepts, both verbally and in writing.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of a key area of scientific study.
• Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to technical staff in area of specialty.
• Ability to utilize and maintain advanced scientific equipment and facilities.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to animal husbandry.
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Knowledge of animal breeding techniques and requirements.
• Knowledge of laboratory animal identification procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry requirements, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge of OR, pre-op and/or post-op procedures.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory animal testing and data collection protocols, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and/or procedures.
• Knowledge of sterile procedures.
• Ability to establish dosages and administer drugs to animals.
• Knowledge of agents, equipment, procedures, and techniques for the provision of anesthesia.
• Knowledge of data collection techniques.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and repairs on veterinary and/or animal husbandry facilities and equipment.
• Ability to assess and treat medical conditions in a wide variety of animals.
• Ability to establish and/or maintain veterinary/animal husbandry records.
• Knowledge of animal euthanasia procedures, techniques, and standards.
• Ability to provide guidance and training in clinical and/or surgical procedures on animals.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Technical expertise in specialized areas of lab animal research; b) technical and functional guidance to lower-level lab animal technicians; c) provision of advanced animal care activities, as well as routine animal husbandry; d) assistance with laboratory management activities; and e) certified as a laboratory animal technician.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Must maintain certification status.
• May be required to maintain suitability as a Tier 1 Select Agent under the Department of Justice, dependent on the research requirements of the position.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Considerable physical effort. Requires heavy lifting, handling, pushing, or moving objects up to 50 lbs. Constant standing/walking.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work involves frequent repetitive motion including but not limited to bending, twisting, and repetitive hand/wrist motion.
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 02/07/2019