Spec, Lab Animal Research

Job ID: req3041
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Center for Advanced Preclinical Research (CAPR) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research develops both germline-engineered and transplantation systems-based murine cancer models and employs them to evaluate potential therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for use in the clinic. The Center is engaged in several interdisciplinary collaborations involving multiple investigators and partnership organizations.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Animal technical functions such as tail clipping and ear notching.
• Setting up new breeders, breeding plug checks and weaning.
• Checking weekly body weights.
• Animal health observations.
• Dosing by several compound administration routes/methodologies.
• Mandibular bleeds.
• Animal surgeries and diagnostic sampling for inter-building transfers.
• Palpation of animals for tumor detection.
• Data entry and management in several databases and Excel workbooks.
• Learning, understanding, and implementing required compliance protocols (e.g. Animal Care and Use Committee registries), animal welfare guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Work schedule will include weekend and holiday hours.
• Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous material, including biological and chemical carcinogen materials, or may be located in areas where such materials are used and the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to strict safety protocols will be required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Any combination of education and progressively responsible technical experience which qualifies the candidate to sit for the LATG Certification exam within 12 months of hire or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (according to CHEA) in Life Sciences or Veterinary Technology. Will encourage achievement of LATG Certification, however this is not required.
• Foreign degrees will be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Ability to perform a variety of technical procedures on laboratory animals (rodents).
• Basic understanding of Mendelian inheritance in order to successfully propagate, maintain and ensure integrity of multiple, complex breeding lines.
• Ability to train animal care and technical staff.
• Ability to keep computer records and maintain/update data in computer-based applications/databases.
• Complexity of breeding colony will require very detailed and accurate record keeping skills.
• Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures for animal facilities, and the basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals.
• Experience in animal handling, husbandry and rodent breeding colony management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• LAT certification and ability to pass LATG exam within 12 months of hire.
• Knowledge of murine animal husbandry and genetic distribution in genetically modified animals.

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s)
  and/or animal material(s).
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious
  material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.
• This position is subject to working in or have the potential to exposure to high noise
  levels for extended periods of time requiring medical clearance.
• This position may require continuous or intermittent exposure to and exertion in
  environmental conditions such as working outdoors, temperature extremes, humidity extremes.
  etc. as part of the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) Drug Free Workplace (DFW)