Job Title: Animal Facility Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Animal Facility Manager to provide daily care for research animals, ensuring their health and well-being. This role involves cleaning cages and equipment, coordinating operational and technical duties, performing simple surgeries and post-operative care, and transporting animals to and from laboratories. The position requires a certain degree of creativity and latitude, working under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all Animal Facility personnel, including technicians, graduate students, and student interns.
• Oversee all Animal Facility operations.
• Carry out experiments and procedures under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
• Maintain lab safety and compliance with occupational safety standards.
• Order and maintain Animal Facility equipment.
• Provide weekly updates summarizing progress on Animal Facility objectives.
• Track and order animal facility supplies.
• Participate in quality improvement activities to contribute to the success of the organization.
• Maintain professional working relationships with all levels of staff and departments.
• Cooperate in accomplishing department goals and objectives as a team player.
• Stay current with policies and procedures related to safe work practices, following all safety procedures and reporting unsafe conditions.

Essential Skills

• Complete animal care skill set, including maintenance of mouse, rat, and frog colonies, ear punches, tail snips, plug checks, preparation for surgical procedures, post-surgical care, and breeding designs.
• Ability to prioritize and manage time and risk effectively.
• Clear and appropriate documentation skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills in a complex environment.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High School degree.
• 5 years of experience in an Animal Facility.

Work Environment

The role is based in a normal biology laboratory with some exposure to chemicals; safety training is provided. The position occasionally requires lifting boxes of reagents or supplies and moving heavy lab equipment with assistance. The work involves reaching, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Essential skills include reading and writing, verbal and written communication, time management, and interpersonal skills. The job requires prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and using sound judgment. Equipment used includes ventilated cage racks, autoclave, and other biological laboratory equipment. This is a part-time position, requiring 15-20 hours per week.