Animal Facilities Manager

Job Summary

Specific Responsibilities

• Supervise the animal facility:
  • Directly care for animals, cleaning animal housing units, the animal facility, and associated laboratories;
  • support laboratory instruction, student/faculty collaborative research, student independent research, and faculty scholarship by maintaining testing and housing environments and experimental equipment;
  • keep records and submit reports necessary for NIH and NSF assurances and AAALAC accreditation;
  • coordinate the work of an external veterinarian;
  • maintain facility records;
  • order and inventory equipment and supplies;
  • coordinate the required student, faculty, and staff CITI training;
  • work with human resources to maintain a laboratory animal facilities occupational health and safety plan for students, staff, and faculty in direct contact with animals;
  • hire, train, and supervise the student animal care workers and other students using the animal facility for instructional purposes.
• Maintain a breeding colony:
  • Complete all associated activities and documentation;
  • continuously supply animals for instruction in laboratory sections of courses, student/faculty collaborative research, student independent research, and faculty scholarship;
  • euthanize animals as needed.
• Assist faculty members in laboratory sections with set-ups and ‘dry runs’ prior to instructional use. For student-designed experiments, provide information and guidance to students on material and equipment availability, laboratory procedures, and research protocols. Advise faculty of potential student experiments.
• Contribute to the repair and maintenance of research equipment either independently or with vendor assistance. Such equipment includes the cage washer, cage racks, surgical equipment, scales, experimental testing chambers, etc. Ensure that all chemical and hazardous materials are stored safely and inventoried.
• Animal care work will require availability during times in which the university is not in session. Fall, winter, and spring breaks, along with the summer months are times when students are less available to assist with this work and so more direct animal care and cleaning activities will be required of the individual holding this position.
• Contribute to the overall success of the psychology and neuroscience programs by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned and appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of animal care and husbandry, including applicable health, safety, and ethical guidelines.
• Knowledge of lab operations in an academic environment.
• Skill and comfort with techniques for handling rodents (specifically rats).
• Skill with cleaning and maintaining an animal facility and associated laboratory spaces to criteria set by faculty supervisors and regulatory standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with university faculty, students, and staff, as well as the university veterinarian, vendors, and other external entities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff.
• Ability to organize one’s work independently and effectively, setting priorities consistent with the instructions of faculty supervisors.
• Ability to keep organized, clear, accurate, and complete records of processes such as breeding activities, facility operation, and student employment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Access, and internet browsers with requisite skill in using these tools effectively on the job.
• Ability to manage student workers.
• Ability to learn appropriate use of the animal cages, cage racks, automated watering system, cage washer, and euthanasia chamber of this animal facility.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain clear and complete records.

Additional Information for Applicant

• Must be able to handle small animals (specifically rats), move and wash cages and litter trays, fill water bottles, handle bulk storage containers of feed and bedding, and move cage racks.
• Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds. Manual dexterity and the ability to walk, stand, kneel, reach, etc., are necessary to accomplish all elements of caring for and breeding animals, maintaining the cleanliness of the facility, and keeping appropriate records.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plans; flexible spending accounts; life and long-term disability insurance; and generous paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick leave.