(While navigating through the site, please be sure to disable your pop-up blocker.)
Animal Technician
This full-time, benefits eligible, Animal Technician position is located at the Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Animal Technician position is to provide competent technical skills in all areas of animal care in the daily operation of an animal colony within the Department of Comparative Medicine. This Animal Technician position will primarily support the Central Services, Clinics, & Surgery and SPF Baboon Nursery areas and may assist in other animal areas as needed. Works weekends and holidays on a scheduled, rotating basis; may work overtime as authorized by the Manager. This Animal Technician position may be subject to working in biocontainment areas requiring compliance with specific protocols.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Animal Husbandry and Facility Maintenance
Performs daily husbandry and disposal of waste materials.
Operates cage sanitation equipment.
May assist checking locks of other care staff.
Prepares and distributes daily diet/enrichment.
May provide basic husbandry training to staff.
Participates in positive reinforcement training for maintenance of trained behaviors.
Transports animals which may require specialized training or handling techniques.
Inspects lixit valves and water lines daily to ensure proper function.
Inspects assigned animal areas and maintain rooms, buildings, facilities, and equipment (including enrichment).
Reports issues to Supervisor or Team Leader.
Performs microbiologic monitoring (cage surface samples, water testing, water analysis, and sterilization QA/QC).
May assist in shipment preparation procedures.
Performs basic housekeeping and restocks supplies.
Conducts inventory and reports supply needs.
Animal Healthcare and Technical Support
Assists in a variety of technical procedures relating to animal health to include: gross biologics sample collection, transport samples, weaning, tattooing, wound treatment, nail trimming, checking vitals, and physical exams.
Assists in screening animals for gross evidence of infectious and parasitic diseases.
Assists Veterinarians, Supervisors, or Technologist in restraining, administering medications, and injections.
Conducts animal health and behavioral observations. Reports changes in animal behavior and appearance to Supervisor.
May assist with conducting routine observations for clinical cases.
Provides care for special needs animals (including infants).
Assists with projects involving special handling techniques which may require protocol specific personal protective equipment.
Assembles and sterilizes surgical instruments and packs.
Assists in research protocols including GLP protocols.
Administrative and Compliance
Adheres to PPE requirements.
Works safely in close proximity to animals.
Ensures appropriate animal access to shelter, food, water and distance from other groups.
Ensures proper cage and building lock procedures are followed.
Responsible for animal identification as required by area.
May need to respond in emergency situations.
Participates in SOP training and consistently follows SOPs and departmental policies.
Responsible for adhering to AAALAC and IACUC standards and USDA/AWA regulations.
Provides timely and accurate documentation and recordkeeping of husbandry and healthcare data (including GLP).
May require proficiency in the use of electronic health records and database applications.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
Preferred Certification: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
Experience: Two years of animal care experience in an animal hospital/clinic, research facility or related field. With either preferred degree, no experience required.
Preferred Experience: Experience gained in a university research setting.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
