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 minimal supervision, this position provides skilled care and handling of laboratory animals. Primary working areas include standard housing areas, bio-hazardous areas, and animal colonies requiring specialized procedures. In addition, this role is also responsible for limited supervisory duties including direction and oversight of work, but excluding discipline

Job Duties

• Provides Skilled Animal Husbandry Support and Care (70%)
  • Conducts thorough animal health checks of large animals, as well as rodents.
  • Feeds and waters animals per feeding schedule and instruction.
  • Performs thorough cage and equipment cleaning as scheduled, per SOPs.
  • Communicates animal care information of moderate to significant importance within and outside the division.
  • Recognizes and troubleshoots minor husbandry related needs.
  • Maintains constant professional communication with manager and veterinarian staff.
  • Skilled in large animal handling and assists with biohazard waste disposal.
• Ensures Accurate Record Keeping and Documentation (10%)
  • Completes husbandry logs and facility spreadsheets.
  • Maintains accurate animal health records.
  • Follows and ensures compliance as it relates to animal welfare, laws, and regulations.
• Maintains Working Areas (10%)
  • Sanitizes rooms, equipment, and hallways as scheduled.
  • Ensure a clean and organized work area, animal room, and all related service rooms as assigned.
  • Ensure supplies are stocked in animal rooms, service rooms, and supply rooms.
• Performs Other Related Job Duties as Assigned (10%)
  • Assists investigators and veterinarians in performing routine and specialized procedures.
  • Assists veterinarians with routine medicine administration as needed.
• Weekend and holiday work is required, on a rotational schedule.
• Coverage during weather related storms may be required, as the need arises.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with previous research and/or animal care and handling experience preferred. 
• Provides training and mentorship to less senior technicians.
• Responsible for attending monthly all staff meetings, safety trainings, facility staff meetings, TAR trainings, and reviewing CCM SOPs as required.
• Additional training may be required in relation to GLP studies.
• Provides coverage for shortage of staff in husbandry operations.