Special Services Program Sr. Technician

Department
 

BSD ARC - Special Services

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
 

Principal contribution is providing technical/procedural knowledge relevant to the daily operations of the Special Services Program. Under direction from the Special Services Program Supervisor, performs technical and/or research-related projects for investigators who use research animals. Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Trains newly hired special services staff as well as research personnel when needed. Participates in new procedures within the unit as required. Interacts with graduate students, post-docs, fellows and other Principal Investigator (PI) laboratory staff. Provides PI training and supports the unit administratively when needed.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic experimental procedures with research animals in conjunction with investigative staff, performs medical treatment and assists principal investigator group with performing experiments within the animal facilities.     

• Performs techniques pertinent to animal research such as but not limited to: breeding schemes, sample collection, ear tagging, tail snips, weaning, etc.

• Assists with the upkeep of special supplies and equipment (inventory and ordering) used by the unit and provides administrative support to the unit.

• Participates in the weekly collection and shipment of Transnetyx samples.

• Develops standard operating procedures for new technologies introduced into the unit in conjunction with the program manager.

• Under a limited degree of supervision, provides technical support to clinical research studies.

• Works within defined processes and procedures to handle and process research samples and specimens. Prepares samples and specimens for testing and examination. Assists in analyzing samples and specimens.

• Assists with quality and safety control measures for the laboratory, such as checks of equipment, temperature control, and documentation of quality improvement projects.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or an Associates’ Degree in a field relevant to the research being conducted.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of experience in a scientific animal setting.

• At least 1 year of technical experience working with rodent colonies within an academic animal care and use research program.

Licenses and Certifications:

• AALAS certification at LAT or higher.

Preferred Competencies

• Computer knowledge and skills.

• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal/communication skills.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance.

• Willingness to work successfully as a member of a team, ability to communicate effectively with faculty, graduate students and various administrative offices at all levels of the University, ability to prioritize.

• Strong decision making skills and ability to work under pressure of frequent deadlines.

• High level of tact and discretionary judgment with regard to access of confidential material.

• Ability to work on more than one project at one time and meet deadlines.

• Capacity to handle multiple tasks in a short amount of time.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

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