Summary

The Center for Comparative Medicine provides for the care, health and well-being of all research animals used in the pursuit of scientific achievement and excellence at Baylor College of Medicine. CCM provides the highest quality veterinary and 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 routine care and handling of aquatic laboratory animals in a safe and sanitary manner. Primary working areas include specialized housing, aquatic housing, and biohazard.

CCM staff are responsible for attending monthly all staff meetings, safety trainings, facility staff meetings, TAR trainings, and reviewing CCM SOPs as required. 

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

Job Duties

• Provides Skilled Animal Husbandry Support and Care 
  - Feeds and waters animals according to CCM schedules and instructions
  - Performs daily health checks on animals
  - Changes animal caging as scheduled, per SOPs
  - Takes ownership of facility sub-areas and ensures quality assurance including readiness for regulatory inspection
  - Communicates animal care information of moderate to significant importance within and outside the division, including requests for deviations from standard animal care documented via Special Care Instruction Forms.
  - Explains practices, procedures and policies to reach alignment within facility and among research staff working in sub-area.
  - Recognizes and troubleshoots minor husbandry related needs.
• Ensures Accurate Record Keeping and Documentation 
  - Completes husbandry logs and facility spreadsheets
  - Maintains accurate health records
  - Establishes, monitors, and maintains non-animal and animal inventories
  - Follows and ensures compliance as it relates to animal welfare, laws, and regulations
• Maintains Working Areas 
  - Ensures supplies are stocked in animal rooms and procedure spaces for daily use
  - Sanitizes rooms, equipment, and hallways as scheduled
• 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.  
• Basic computer skills (e.g. email, Excel, Word)