Comparative Medicine Specialist Senior

School of Medicine

 

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

 

JOB SUMMARY

 

In the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR), the Comparative Medicine Specialist (CMS) Senior works with an assigned team to provide guidance and training to the incoming husbandry staff in a designated research area. This position reports to an Operations Manager, Assistant Operations Manager, or CMS Assistant Manager in an assigned area based on the overall operational needs of DLAR. The DLAR CMS Senior position may perform any of the tasks outlined below. The portfolio of duties for the CMS Senior position may change based on operational needs but will be contained to the overall scope of the role within the husbandry team.

 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Working Schedule

 

• Must be able to work a flexible working schedule based on workload and deadlines;
• Must be able to work schedules as assigned by the Operations Manager or his/her designee for that specific animal facility;
• Must be able to work assigned standard schedules, including (but not limited to) Mon-Fri, Wed-Sun, and Tue-Sat shifts;
• Must be able to work on rotating on-call duties after hours and on weekends;
• Must be able to work on holidays as assigned.

 

Occupational Health and Safety

 

As a safeguard for the employee and the animals, medical examinations and risk assessments are performed. Some immunizations or further diagnostics may be required before working with specific animals or animal populations as determined by occupational health medical personnel, including, but not limited to:

 

• TB testing and clearance;
• Hepatitis B (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Rabies (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Tetanus (current vaccination less than 10 years);
• Measles (proof of immunization and/or vaccination);
• Periodic physical examinations (including respiratory fit tests);
• Other vaccines or testing as required by EOHW standards.

 

Hazard Exposure

 

The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions. Specifically, employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous noise, dust, chemicals, extreme heat, and animal waste products. The duration of exposure to any of the above is dependent on assigned duties. Some aspects of this position may expose the incumbent to potentially zoonotic and other biohazardous agents. Appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required, accompanied by appropriate training.

 

WORK PERFORMED

 

1.  Performs all duties and responsibilities of the CMS level and serves as backup in their absence. This includes all husbandry duties, maintaining animal inventory, husbandry, and room maintenance records, and performing facility sanitation in assigned facilities. 

2.  Performs daily work involving the handling of conventional and genetically engineered animal models with varying health status.

3.  Continuously evaluates processes and procedures for efficiency and effectiveness, making recommendations of i