Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant

The University of Maryland, Baltimore's Veterinary Resources has an opening for a Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant. Under direct supervision, this position provides basic technical support to the research functions of a laboratory animal facility and performs animal husbandry practices. This position may be used in one or all types of Biosafety Laboratories (BLS) ranging from level 1 to 3 environments.

Benefits Information
UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension), effective on your date of hire. Non-exempt regular staff receive a generous paid leave package that starts with 14 days of vacation accrued per year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and time for community service; comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties

• Observes, identifies, and reports animal health related problems.
• Administers special diets, medication and experimental drugs.
• Assists higher level personnel during medical treatments or experimental procedures.
• Performs routine research related activities such as collecting, measuring and analyzing specimens, transporting and weighing animals.
• Coordinates animal care activities with other staff.
• Assists with the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of the health of laboratory animals. Assists with the breeding of animals and other activities to maintain animal room stock and various crosses.
• Provides husbandry support as required by standard operating procedures, such as ensuring appropriate feeding and watering of animals, cleaning and changing cages, preparing special diets and maintaining proper temperature, light and humidity levels.
• Handles animal carcasses, tissues, and wastes following established policies and procedures.
• Maintains husbandry records pertaining to animal census, animal breeding, dietary studies, etc.
• Receives, inspects, and stocks supplies such as animal feed and bedding. Assists in maintaining inventory.
• Coordinates with general maintenance for repairs and regulates the lighting, ventilation, temperature and humidity levels of the animal room environment.
• Sterilizes cages, instruments, and equipment. May sterilize glassware and/or syringes.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

Education: High School Diploma or GED.
Experience: Six (6) months in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.
Other: Biosafety Laboratories Level 3 (BLS3) requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of husbandry practices as routinely required in a laboratory animal environment. Ability to operate standard laboratory animal equipment including scales, autoclaves, pressure washers, cage washers, steam cleaners, etc.; to lift bags of feed and bedding; to follow standard operating procedures; to move heavy stainless steelracks, clean cages, etc.; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician may be required. Biosafety Laboratory Level 3 have additional guidelines specific to working in BLS3 environments requiring the receipt of BLS3 training, ability to demonstrated proficiency in BLS3 practice and techniques, and participate in medical surveillance. May be required to have current tetanus and/or diphtheria shots. Incumbents may be required to obtain a measles titer or vaccine and annual TB tests dependent on assigned species.

Based on the duties of this position, selected candidates are eligible to participate in the Bargaining Unit (Union).

Hiring Range: $42,770 - $46,829.27, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.