Lab Animal Care Technician LT

Lab Animal Care Technician LT

Position Information

• Position Title: Lab Animal Care Technician LT
• Position Type: Limited-Term (Renewable)
• Job Number: SA95424
• Full or Part Time: full-time 40 hours weekly
• Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Non-Exempt
• Anticipated Pay Range: $23.00 - $26.00
• Pay Range Information: Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Job Description Summary

The Lab Animal Care Technician position is available in the Office of Research’s Rinker Campus Vivarium Facility. The Office of Research manages 5,700 sq. ft. of OLAW-Assured rodent vivarium facilities at the Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine, CA. Research and teaching activities supported by the Office of Research include pharmacological research, infectious disease, cancer biology, nutrition and metabolism studies, orthopedic research, therapeutics, toxicology, and teaching activities to support a diverse program of learning. The Vivarium exists to provide state-of-the-art care and support for the animal models component of these studies. This position is a full-time appointment that will be integral to facilitating research activities at Chapman University that utilize animal models.

Under the direction of the Vivarium Supervisor, responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the daily husbandry care of small laboratory animals, maintenance of animal holding spaces and procedure rooms, assisting with training of laboratory personnel, reviewing policies and SOPs, and other duties as necessary to support research operations.

Anticipated schedule is 7 AM – 4 PM Tues-Sat OR Sun-Thurs.

Responsibilities

Animal Welfare Assessments and Animal Husbandry

• Support the daily operations of the Rinker Health Science Campus vivarium and assist with operations of the Hashinger Aviary as directed by the Vivarium Supervisor.
• Perform prescribed health treatments under the direction of the Vivarium Supervisor and Attending Veterinarian and document completion.
• Assist Vivarium Supervisor with maintaining Standards of Care (SOCs) to provide consistent health care and information to researchers as required.
• Prepare room and cages for incoming animals.
• Count animals based upon protocol, project, cage card, or other parameters for regulatory and billing purposes.
• Stock animal rooms with feed, water, and other supplies.
• Perform daily animal welfare checks to assess animal’s behavior and wellbeing, report abnormalities to the veterinary staff or investigator staff for disposition.
• Perform routine husbandry including changing cages at scheduled intervals, and providing appropriate feed, water, and enrichment as needed.
• Assist in training of Animal Husbandry Staff as directed by the facility manager.
• Follow biosecurity practices to minimize cross contamination.

Operations and Record Keeping

• Order supplies as required for planned and ongoing studies; oversee inventory of supplies.
• Maintain documents, including, but not limited to, standard operating procedures, daily room logs, and signage as required by regulatory agencies or the facility manager.
• Provide operational feedback on Chapman University’s Animal Care and IACUC-approved standard operating policies and procedures, manuals/guidelines, and website communication related to animal husbandry, surgery, and experimental procedures.
• Maintain records as required for husbandry, health, and operations; submit work orders and follow-up on completion status.
• Assist with additional tasks in the Office of Research related to processes and procedures as directed by the Vivarium Supervisor.

Research Support

• Assist in training and orientation of research staff and support staff and maintain all training records.
• Assist in providing training for all research staff on various techniques, including injections, blood collection, and restraint as directed by the Vivarium Supervisor.
• Aid in various animal studies requiring a wide variety of technical skills for compound/cell administration, bleeding, surgery, and imaging under the direction of the Vivarium Supervisor.

Monitor Environmental Parameters and Room Sanitation

• Perform environmental monitoring and maintain associated records.
• Use appropriate disinfectants and cleaning agents to disinfect and sanitize in and around animal holding areas and prior to receipt of animals and on a scheduled basis.
• Sterilize equipment for use by husbandry staff and investigator staff as needed and requested by researchers or vivarium staff.

Miscellaneous

• Attends scheduled staff meetings and continuing education opportunities.
• Communicates animal care issues to investigator, investigator staff, supervisor, and co-workers.

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of applicable policies, guidelines and regulations. Working knowledge of laws and regulations that govern the housing and management of laboratory animals.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting.
• Animal handling required. Must be willing to work with rodents, fish, and birds. Must be comfortable working with animals in a research setting.
• Must be willing to work weekends and certain holidays on a rotational basis.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate daily record keeping.

Desired Qualifications

• ALAT or RVT preferred.
• Knowledge or background with veterinary treatments and administrations.

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

• Minimum Number of References: 2
• Maximum Number of References: 3

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. This position is expected to work 7 AM-4PM either Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday, which schedule would you prefer?
   • Sunday-Thursday
   • Tuesday-Saturday
   • Either option is acceptable
2. This position is expected to work certain holidays on a rotating basis, are you comfortable working holidays?
   • Yes
   • Would like to discuss
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Recommendation 1
2. Letter of Recommendation 2
3. Certification/License