Summary

The Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) ensures the health and well-being of research animals at Baylor College of Medicine. CCM provides the highest quality animal care and acts as a resource for the faculty on veterinary and scientific issues relating to the use of laboratory animals. Under general supervision, this position provides skilled care and handling of laboratory animals in a safe, humane, and sanitary manner. Primary working areas include standard housing areas as well as specialized areas such as bio-hazard and immunodeficient rodent areas.

Standard CCM hours are Monday - Friday, 7am to 4pm. Weekend and holiday work is required, on a rotational basis, as CCM is operational 365days a year. Coverage during weather related storms may be required, as the need arises.

Job Duties

• Feeds and waters animals according to CCM schedules and instructions.
• Performs daily health checks on animals and ensures accuracy of submitted health reports.
• Changes animal caging as scheduled, per standard procedures.
• Performs animal census and other required documentation.
• Handles and transports animals and bedding material.
• Ensures that activities are in compliance with AAALAC and regulatory standards.
• Receives, unpacks, and transports laboratory animals and supplies.
• Maintains supplies in animal rooms including feed, caging, cage cards, and equipment for daily use.
• Completes husbandry logs.
• Follows and ensures compliance as it relates to animal welfare, laws, and regulations.
• Performs a system of checks and balances by reviewing husbandry logs and ensuring their accuracy and completeness.
• Provides guidance and training to entry level care staff.
• Performs compliance checks on cage density and separates cages as needed.
• Verifies entry level care staff are on track with daily tasks and assignments.
• Communicates with researchers regarding animal husbandry needs.
• Ensures completion of room decons.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Two years of relevant experience.
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient record keeping and log documentation.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Solid understanding of laboratory laws, regulations and IACUC policies.
• Proficient rodent handling skills.