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Form of workLocation: Chicago, IL
Hospital: RUSH University Medical Center
Department: Comparative Research Center
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 3:30:00 PM)
Summary:
Under administrative direction of the Animal Husbandry Supervisor and Associate Director of Operations of the Comparative Research Center, directly performs the daily animal husbandry and facility maintenance related functions of the Rush University Medical Center Comparative Research Center and its associated satellite animal use facilities. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and ICARE values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Responsibilities:
Ensure proper primary housing (e.g. clean cage, new bedding, fresh food and water) for all assigned species and replenish housing supplies, according to standard operating procedures. Responsible for the preparation of the required solutions and mixtures (e.g. medicated water, dietary supplements, disinfectants, etc.).
Perform normal daily animal husbandry functions specific to each animal species and experimental situation to include barrier and biohazard facility housed animals.
Follow prescribed protective measures to prevent exposure of animals or personnel to infectious agents.
Provide proper carcass disposal, according to standard operating procedures.
Perform daily animal husbandry functions for each satellite Animal Care facility.
Responsible in the daily observation and reporting on animal health and mortalities according to SOP's.
Properly handle all assigned laboratory species for cleaning, identification, manipulation and/or treatment. Responsible for providing proper collection of urine and fecal specimens when indicated.
Provide assistance to technicians, investigators and supervisors as required.
Responsible for housing animals according to standard operating procedures under general supervision.
Move, storing and rotate supplies as required.
Maintain inventories of animals and supplies.
Maintain assigned rooms in sanitary conditions according to standard operating procedures.
Provide proper disposal of garbage according to standard operating procedures.
Responsible for reporting of any unusual occurrences regarding the general maintenance of the facility (e.g. temperature/humidity fluctuations, drainage problems, etc.).
Perform daily and periodic sanitization schedules for animal rooms and all necessary equipment.
When indicated by Associate Director of Operations and Animal Husbandry Supervisor assist the Veterinary Technician in the daily maintenance of facility support rooms (i.e. operating suites, treatment rooms, recovery rooms and administrative offices).
Properly use and effectively apply various cleaning and disinfectant agents used in the facility.
Perform daily facility maintenance functions for each satellite Animal Care facility.
Operate and maintain all equipment (e.g. autoclave, tunnel washer, high pressure power hose, etc.) according to standard operating procedures to provide proper sanitation and/or sterilization.
Report any malfunctions or irregularities of all equipment to the supervisor.
Perform normal physical plant and facility equipment systems maintenance procedures.
Read all educational materials related to the care and use of laboratory animals as directed by the Director, Associate Director of Operations and Animal Husbandry Supervisor.
Read and understand all operating policies of Rush and the Comparative Research Center.
Obtain membership in Chicago Branch AALAS and attend no less than 1 meeting per year.
When indicated by the Director, attend meeting and training opportunities related to laboratory animal sciences field.
Seek advancement in the field of laboratory animal science through participation in AALAS recognized training program.
Participate in institutional training programs as directed.
Must display courteous and professional manner through interaction, appearance, attitude, written and oral communication with principle investigators, technicians, students and all other employees in accordance with Rush corporate "Values of Care" and Comparative Research Center policies and service expectations.
Reporting Requirements: Animal Husbandry Supervisor, Comparative Research Center; Associate Director of Operations, Comparative Research Center; Director, Comparative Research Center.
Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
High School Diploma.
Basic knowledge and interest in laboratory animals; American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certified at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or ALAT certification eligible is preferred.
Working understanding of animal physiology and behavior; working understanding of animal husbandry and care procedures; working understanding of physical plant and facility equipment systems.
Basic knowledge of regulatory requirements and animal program issues.
Self-starter, ability to work independent of direct over-site.
Ability to work as a team member.
This position requires the incumbent to work weekends, holidays and overtime when indicated by the CRC management.
This position requires the incumbent to wear a departmental pager while on duty during weekend working hours and to respond when prompted. There is no additional pay for carrying the departmental pager.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
College level education a plus.
Physical Demands:
This position carries the potential for employee exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials, chemicals and other hazardous conditions that may pose a potential health risk. Each employee is trained and is expected to observe all fire and safety procedures, blood-borne pathogen and hazard communication standards, and the institutional Animal Care and use program.
Ability to handle and restrain all species of animals used in the facility.
Ability to work in close proximity with all species of animals used in the facility.
Ability to lift, move and/or place objects of a minimum of 50 lbs. in a repeated fashion.
Working knowledge of biology, physiology and behavioral characteristics of each laboratory animal species.
Working knowledge of personnel protective methods and devices.
No known animal allergies.
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
