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Research Support Technician, Colony Management Program

AT City of Hope
City of Hope

Research Support Technician, Colony Management Program

Duarte, CA

About City of Hope

City of Hope, an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution with over 6,000 employees, is dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases and guided by a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy.

Founded in 1913 and headquartered in Duarte, California, City of Hope is a remarkable non-profit institution, where compassion and advanced care go hand-in-hand with excellence in clinical and scientific research. City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers that develops and institutes standards of care for cancer treatment.

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Position Summary

In addition to the tasks associated with animal care Research Support Technicians and Specialists, is responsible for performing tasks and procedures associated with managing the production of research animal breeding colonies, including mating, weaning, animal identification, tissue biopsy, data collection, and communication with researchers using these services.

Key Responsibilities include:
  • Observes all animals in assigned work area and reports any sick, injured or distressed animals to an Animal Health Technician or Veterinarian.
  • Changes cages at scheduled intervals and whenever needed to support animal health and well being. Ensures animals have adequate food and water at all times.
  • Follows breeding plan and mating schemes to meet animal production goals. Reports breeding issues promptly to Animal Breeding Supervisor or Coordinator.
  • Performs tissue biopsy and animal identification in a timely manner.
  • Weans, separates litters, and transfers animals for experimental use in a timely manner.
  • Accurately documents breeding activities on cage cards and in the computerized breeding database in a timely manner.
  • Effectively communicates with and responds to researcher requests for breeding colony information. Communicates with researchers on a regular basis to inform them of their colony status and any issues/questions that may arise.
  • Documents daily husbandry and breeding activities in a computerized database.
  • Monitors and documents animal holding room environment. Reports non-compliant environmental parameters and/or malfunctioning equipment to the Supervisor or Facilities Manager.
  • Maintains animal holding rooms and assigned support areas in a clean and orderly state.
  • Sanitizes animal holding rooms and assigned support areas.
  • Performs weekly animal census accurately and reconciles discrepancies in a timely manner in accordance with CCM/ACP policies.
  • Performs rack changes and animal transfer station/biosafety cabinet maintenance as required.
  • Restrains animals for various technical procedures such as subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. May assist with diagnostic sample collection such as blood or feces collection/
  • Humanely euthanizes animals as requested or required.
  • Provides technical services to investigators including mixing and dispensing special diets, medicating drinking water, providing special housing requirements or assisting with specific restraint and handling procedures.
  • Performs other animal care/breeding related duties as required.
  • Participates in training sessions, staff meetings, and continuing education activities.
  • Interacts/establishes working relationships and communicates effectively and positively with research and Animal Care Program staff.
  • Attends meetings as required.
Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:
  • High School or equivalent.
  • No animal breeding experience required; 2+ years experience working in a laboratory animal care or research veterinary technician position.
  • AALAS ALAT certification (or ALAT certification obtained within 6 months of hire).

Preferred experience:
  • Strong interest in laboratory animal medicine.

Skills/Abilities:
  • Demonstrated ability to complete routine husbandry and sanitation assignments.
  • Be observant, display tact, consideration, professionalism, and maturity Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent oral/written communication and organizational skills
  • Maintain logs and breeding records
  • Prepare reports
  • Handle laboratory animals
  • Monitor and/or document environmental parameters
  • Meets deadlines, sanitation standards and is observant.
  • Basic computer/data entry skills (Mosaic database, email).

Additional Information:
  • To protect the health of patients and staff and to comply with new State of California mandates, City of Hope staff are required to show proof of full vaccination by September 30, 2021. Compliance is a condition of employment.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

  • Posting Date: Dec 20, 2021
  • Job Field: Support Services
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Shift: Day Job

Client-provided location(s): Duarte, CA, USA
Job ID: CityOfHope-10014546
Employment Type: Other