Research Professional 1 - Preclinical Research, Preclinical Research Center

About the Job

At PCRC, the needs of the animals are first and foremost. Each animal receives the best care

possible for his or her physical, psychological and social well-being. The animals are treated

with respect, compassion and empathy.

The PCRC is seeking a self-starting employee, who is a team player committed to performing

high-quality animal clinical care and research in a fast-paced research laboratory setting. This

position will be a part of a team that is committed to caring for the animals that make it possible

to advance groundbreaking research in transplantation, COVID-19, diabetes, obesity, and

regenerative medicine to the clinic, while simultaneously conducting the fully-funded (NIH, JDRF

[Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation] and Industry) research of PCRC. Specifically,

PCRC's research is focused on studying the effects of improving the welfare of animals used in

biomedical models, thus enhancing the translational value of animal models used in biomedical

research.

As such, the employee must have interest in cooperative handling, enrichment, and

animal husbandry (behavioral management) with rodents, pigs, and nonhuman primates. The

translational and high regulatory research completed at PCRC requires attention to detail and

the ability to follow precise written protocols that adhere to GLP regulations.

The employee will learn how to provide and be responsible for daily behavioral management,

care, enrichment, and nurturing to animals by preparing food, cleaning enclosures,

and maintaining the Center facility.

They will receive training, in becoming proficient in transfer, handling, specialized

individual care, and will begin to acquire skills in Colony Management.

Additionally, the employee will perform research and related tasks in animal husbandry in

evaluating the influence on animal welfare and scientific outcomes. The Center has a unique

focus on primates, so while employees will be working with a variety of animals, they should

have a strong interest in working with monkeys as this is an entry-level position in primate care,

behavioral management and research.

The employee will participate in center support by training new volunteers, keeping detailed

records and reporting on the status of the animals, making updates and revisions to SOPs, and

handle specimens or equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

When not occupied with routine tasks, the employee is expected to participate in other lab tasks

as assigned to advance the team's work.

Specific duties include:

Research & Lab Support - 50%

• Perform NIH, JDRF and business & industry funded research focused on the role of

husbandry as it relates to animal welfare, scientific outcomes, and support of the

Program Director's scientific welfare philosophy

• Under the direction of senior staff, perform daily observation/assessment of animals (ie.

Fecal scoring, health indicators such as appetite, social compatibility with other animal

subjects, weight fluctuations, Lixit training for hydration assessment, activity level, overall

health status) to generate data points to use in metabolic research in order to minimize

disruptions during treatment sessions

• Record data, make assessments, and perform basic data analysis in order to inform

future actions/decisions pertaining to animal enrichment

• Perform instrument calibration and point of care assays
• Identify the enrichment needs of individual animals and their phase within a study in

order to prepare and maintain specialty housing setups for metabolic or infectious

disease, paying particular attention to each individual animal and their requirements

• Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of body weight measurements,

animal observations (fecal scoring 1-4, enrichment identification and rotation, etc),

procedures completed, temperament and sociality assessments

• Assist with animal handling for cooperation with care and research task performance
• Maintain meticulous records and collect research data in accordance with GLP

guidelines

• Maintains a clean environment and ensures that areas are adequately ordered, stocked

and that equipment is in working order

• Assist with development of protocol for process improvement and animal welfare

projects

• Assist with training and educational programs and tours
• Responsible for safe keeping of sensitive and confidential material
• Establish and maintain a working knowledge of the principles behind daily work
• Participate in Center meetings/rounds
• Assemble instrument and packs as needed
• Clean lab, instruments, and equipment
• Other duties as assigned-will develop cross-functional skills by assisting all areas of lab

Behavioral Management and Specialized Husbandry - 50%

• Identify the specific factors/conditions of animal subjects (ie. Age, physical condition, etc)

in order to maintain species appropriate housing, social grouping, nutrition and care

• Identify specific needs and history of animal subjects in order to prepare appropriate

nutritionally balanced food and special diets, clean and enrich enclosures, provide for

socialization, and maintain the Center facility according to scientific protocols

• Prepares supplies and paperwork supporting facility management, husbandry, and

clinical care

• Under the direction of senior staff, participate in veterinary consults, treatment plans, and

follow up

• Facilitate open and professional communication related to animals under their care and

teamwork among a diverse team (technicians, students, DVMs, scientists) to support

positive outcomes and excellent animal care

• Performs record-keeping tasks, including recording of: biscuit consumption, daily

enrichment offerings, supplies used, senior staff communications, census information,

etc.

• Must adhere to safety and infection control policies and procedures and be willing to

clean and deep clean areas

• Assist with surgical induction and recovery of large and small animals
• Must have the ability to work in a clinical care setting

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a social or natural science or combination of 4 years of related

education and experience in the animal sciences, biological sciences, analytical

sciences, or related health sciences

• Experience working with small and large animals
• Able to function independently as well as in a group
• Must be willing to work a flexible work week; core lab hours are 7am to 3:30pm with

rotational schedule for evenings, weekends and holidays

• Must be able to lift 50lbs by oneself, must be able to sit and stand for long periods
• A current negative tuberculosis screening and measles vaccination is required as a

condition of employment

Preferred:

• Experience with animal models for medical research
• Basic skill in clinical observation and treatment
• Experience in basic small and large animal handling and behavior
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Experience conducting research in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

About the Department

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery.

About the Medical School:

• Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
• The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations
• Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:$46,280 - $54,500 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).