Animal Technician 4, Division of Comparative Medicine - Georgetown University Medical Center

Located in a historic neighborhood in the nation's capital, Georgetown offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, exciting ways to take advantage of Washington, D.C., and a commitment to social justice. Our community is a tight knit group of remarkable individuals interested in intellectual inquiry and making a difference in the world.

Requirements

As a top academic health and science center in the United States, Georgetown University Medical Center seeks to provide, in a synergistic fashion, excellence in education — training physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, as well as biomedical scientists — and cutting-edge interdisciplinary research collaboration, enhancing our basic science and translational biomedical research capacity in order to improve human health. Emphasizing service, we are dedicated to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis — “care of the whole person.” Our partnerships with organizations in the region strengthen our work and expand its reach. 

The Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day operation of the Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) animal facility. This includes all responsibilities related to the direct supervision of the husbandry staff who are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in scientific and medical research. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Manage the assignment of personnel to assure timely completion of daily husbandry duties, monitoring the quality of animal care.

• Monitoring documentation of husbandry duties, assessing workloads.

• Schedule adherence of husbandry staff, training, and equipment allocation, ordering supplies and monitoring inventory.

• Manage performance reviews of all direct reports and disciplinary actions as appropriate and in accordance with DCM and GU HR policies.

• Work with the Facility Manager in interviewing and hiring new staff.

• Oversee the daily operations of the facility, including environment control, equipment troubleshooting and control, and consultation on space and equipment usage.

• Provide rotating weekend and holiday supervision with on-call coverage. 

Work Interactions

This position works with the Director and Facility Manager (their supervisor) to identify and prioritize animal care technician (their direct reports, up to 8 persons) related responsibilities.  This position must assure the smooth functioning of the facility with limited direct supervision. There are two Animal Care Supervisors, each has an assigned area; however close communication and coordination with one another, and the Facility Manager regarding operations of the entire facility and husbandry responsibilities is essential to ensure effective facility management and animal care, particularly in the absence of the other supervisor and/or the Facility Manager. The Georgetown University Medical Center focuses on research and discovery and the Animal Care Supervisor position supports that mission through everyday interactions with Principal Investigators and their laboratory staff. This position may also interact directly with external vendors and other interdepartmental staff members (EH&S, Facilities, Human Resources) as well as AAALAC, USDA, and IACUC Site inspectors. The Animal Care Supervisor will work within an office but is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the animal facility where one could be exposed to hazards, chemicals, laboratory animals, and laboratory-related equipment.  Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and will be exposed to varied temperatures, environments, and animal odors.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science related field

• Five years’ experience in the laboratory animal science field is highly preferred; level of education and experience will be considered

• Must have a demonstrated ability to supervise people and have a working knowledge of animal research facility operations

• Must also possess excellent computer, interpersonal skills, strong leadership ability, problem solving and analytical skills.

• AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) level is required at the time of hiring

• Candidates with only ALAT level certification will be considered for hire only if their credentials are otherwise strong

• Continued active participation in AALAS continuing education is expected, and achievement of LATG certification is strongly encouraged

• Leadership experience is preferred

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