Kill Monkeys In Texas

Biocontainment Veterinary Research Technician I - ABSL-3 and ABSL-4

The Biocontainment Veterinary Research Technician in the ABSL-3 and ABSL-4 will provide general care, husbandry, and handling of the animals. May assist with select procedures in support of immunogenicity and efficacy studies. Assist with documentation of data and perform other duties as detailed in job description, or other duties as assigned.

The Role: 
Note: Consistent attendance is an essential responsibility
Ability to understand and practice all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), training manuals, and Biosafety and Operation Manuals.

Must be willing and able to work in ABSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 facilities while wearing applicable protective clothing such as; positive pressure suits, power air purifying respirators, and/or other appropriate personal protective equipment for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to work variable work hours on frequent basis. This would include evenings/nights, weekends, holidays, and any other unforeseen circumstances.

Ability to obtain and maintain DoJ Security Risk

Assessment (SRA) approval, and CDC Select Agent Program approval. This includes initial and periodic drug screenings.

Ability to withstand continuous standing and walking on hard floor surfaces.

Technician(s) work prolonged periods in auditory and physical isolation while inside containment laboratory.
Perform basic care and husbandry procedures.
Manual cage cleaning, providing food/water/enrichment
Handling and restraint of multiple laboratory animal species used in biomedical research.

Assist with project support procedures such as follows:
Health monitoring/assessment of animals.

Appropriate sample collection/processing on multiple species used in biomedical research.

Performing blood analysis using various benchtop equipment.

Provide and/or prepare medications and/or treatments as needed

Prepare animals for pathological evaluation, performs euthanasia, and verifies death.

Provide support to pathologist during necropsy or tissue collection.
Ability to communicate effectively with fellow technicians, the Veterinarian, Study Director, and/or PI.
General maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment used for project support.
Cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization of lab equipment.
Maintain clinical and research support areas.

Assist with in vitro work and equipment to include:
Proper aliquoting and pipetting technique
Proper use of centrifuge
Biosafety cabinets
Ability to operate autoclave and verify sterility
Basic knowledge of computers, use of Microsoft Excel and Word.
Accurate written and computerized record keeping of all husbandry and procedures performed.
Performs quality review of laboratory records for completeness and accuracy
Must be able to exercise good judgment, good decision-making skills and work as part of a team
Exercise Biosafety and Biosecurity.         
Performs other duties as assigned.

Our Ideal Candidate: 

Required: High school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
Preferred: AALAS (ALAT, LAT, or LATg) certification. Sixty (60) hours from accredited college or university or an Associate’s Degree or graduate of AVMA accredited veterinary technician program or Military Occupational School (MOS 68T – Animal Care Specialist).
Experience:
Required: Two or more years of job specific experience or in some circumstances advanced degrees/certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.
Preferred: Previous biomedical research experience working with Non-Human Primates (NHP’s) or other laboratory animals. Must be able to demonstrate expertise in their technical field in order to be assigned this classification. Must be able to read and follow written and verbal orders from supervisor and Veterinarian. Must be able to write legibly and record health and research data. Must have valid driver’s license and meet Texas Biomed driving standards.

Working Environment
Potential Hazards: This work will involve potential exposure to chemical hazards such as carcinogens (Formalin), toxic materials (Formalin). Physical hazards include: Cryogenics (liquid nitrogen) and radiograph equipment. Prolonged standing in the laboratory or sitting at a computer for data entry. Biological hazards include: Infectious materials to include select agents (Such as Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses) (ABSL-2, ABSL-3 or ABSL-4). This work will also involve working with laboratory animals such as Non-Human Primates (Macaque, Marmoset), Rodents (Mice, Guinea Pigs) and other animals as needed for project support. Potential exists for animal bites, scratches, and allergies. Must routinely lift 40 pounds and carry for short distances without assistance. Will drive a motor vehicle on Texas Biomed business. Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and meet Texas Biomed driving standards. Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program is required. Must be able to wear an air-purifying respirator in a proper manner and, if necessary, pass a respirator fitness test.

OTHER: This is a full-time hourly paid position.  Texas Biomed business hours are 7am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional weekend work, holidays and overtime will be required.