Laboratory Assistant, Senior - Animal Science

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities.  We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives. 

JOB TITLE:   

Laboratory Assistant, Senior (Animal Care and Laboratory Coordinator)

JOB PURPOSE:

The Animal Care and Laboratory Coordinator will be an integral member of dynamic research teams in the Department of Animal Science. Based on research projects within the Department of Animal Science, the Animal Care and Laboratory Coordinator will manage and supervise the day-to-day operations in a moderate sized laboratory including animal care, maintenance and husbandry of a vivarium. The Animal Care and Laboratory Coordinator will work mostly independently with overall supervision from Dr. James K. Pru. The candidate for this position should have hands-on experience in managing people, problem-solving; using technical skills, strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; verbal and written communication abilities; ability to adapt to and effectively manage changes in a dynamic environment; and have a passion for scientific research. The successful candidate will also participate in general vivarium duties to assist in cleaning cages and conducting animal health checks where needed for faculty in the Department of Zoology and Physiology. The job duties listed below are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

This position is grant funded and considered at-will employment.

This position has been deemed essential as addressed in the University of Wyoming's Employee Handbook.  Employees in essential positions may be required to work during emergency closures and winter closure based on the nature of their job duties and the reasons for the closure. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage day-to-day operations of a moderate-sized mouse vivarium including: cage changing, cage washing, animal husbandry (breeding, weaning, daily health checks), animal identification and genotyping.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, databases, and protocols.
• Purchase animal care supplies and maintain vivarium budget to include processing of expense reports. 
• Assist PIs in preparation and renewal of animal protocol
• Comply with all safety standards and ensure laboratory and personnel compliance.
•  Plan and perform research tasks of limited complexity requiring initiative and judgment in applying basic knowledge and understanding scientific theory.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks.
• Supervise aides, technicians, and students including orientation and training of new personnel as needed.
• Work with IACUC to ensure research (animal handling and care descriptions) and breeding colony protocols are adhered to.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor cleanliness of laboratory(ies) and/or specimen habitat.

COMPETENCIES:

• Independence
• Technical/Professional Knowledge 
• Safety Awareness
• Attention to Detail
• Quality Orientation
• Individual Leadership

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  Associate's degree in a related field (or equivalent 2 years of college education)

Experience:  1-year work-related experience

Required licensure, certification, registration or other requirements:  CITI training will be required upon hire. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to learn new skills and master multiple tasks quickly 
• General computer skills 
• Knowledge of MS Office and the ability to learn new programs if needed
• Commitment to personal responsibility and value safety through actions and communication with other facility personnel
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate notes/logs and complete detailed work accurately 
• Effective communication, both oral and written 
• Work well in a team environment

While not essential, having some experience in working with animals and experiences in animal care and training/mentoring/managing employees are desired.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: cover letter, resume or C.V. and contact information for four work-related references. 

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 11/26/2023 will receive full consideration. 

HIRING STATEMENT:  

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.   

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/