Lab Animal Research Specialist

Job

Employee Type: exempt full-time

Division:
Laboratory Animal Science Program

Facility:
Frederick:
Ft Detrick

Location:

PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services focused on the design, generation, characterization, and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease.

The Animal Research Technical Support (ARTS) team within LASP utilizes advanced methodologies to perform research into the development of new cancer models, targeted diagnostics, and cancer therapies.

As a Lab Animal Research Specialist, you will be working closely with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment on multiple basic and translational cancer research projects simultaneously. Types of studies include tumorigenesis, toxicity, PK/PD, cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy studies on xenograft/allograft, PDX, or genetically engineered mouse models. Responsibilities include working closely with senior technical staff on conducting parts of or entire in vivo portions of studies from start to finish, including organizing experiments, performing injections, recording and creating detailed study reports, and updates for the investigators.

Lab Animal Research Specialists help coordinate and communicate study details and scheduling with other core facilities, team members, and management. Specific responsibilities include:

• Performing rodent colony management and maintenance of real-time animal colony database (TOPAZ).
• Following breeding strategies based on genotyping results.
• Independently carrying out parts of or complete experimental studies under the guidance of senior staff.
• Administration of experimental compounds and chemical carcinogens.
• Performing injections via various routes including s.c., i.p., i.v., and oral gavage.
• Monitoring phenotypes and treatment responses.
• Performing detailed necropsy procedures to collect blood and tissues.
• Collecting and recording tumor measurements and body weights utilizing electronic instruments and databases.
• Working with potentially hazardous radiological, chemical, and biological materials.
• This is a change-in facility.
• Work schedule may include weekend and holiday hours.

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Any combination of education and progressively responsible technical experience which qualifies the candidate to sit for the LATG Certification exam within 12 months of hire or bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or Veterinary Technology. Will encourage achievement of LATG Certification, however this is not required. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Experience in management of genetically engineered mouse models.
• Proficiency in performing rodent related techniques such as injections via various routes, blood and tissue collection.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate with management in a demanding scientific environment.
• Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures.
• Experience in performing experimental procedures including injections and compound administration.
• Experience working with various tumor models.
• Ability to maintain precise, accurate records utilizing different software platforms.
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and ACUC guidelines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and to wear respiratory protection equipment if necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Experience with cancer treatment or vaccine studies in rodents.
• Experience preparing medicated water and chemicals.
• LAT certification and ability to pass LATG exam within 12 months of hire.
• Excellent time management and organization skills; ability to multi-task and work under time constraints.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, color, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual…