Animal Quarantine Specialist - Comparative Medicine

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

Oversees the quarantine facility and supervises its operation, in conjunction with facility management, vivarium equipment, and animal laboratory processes. Provides oversight, coordination and support to the animal care program under the direction of the area supervisor. Operates extensively with all departments and stakeholders of the Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM). Supervises the management of the animal care and husbandry program in accordance with regulations and guidelines of Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service, and University policies to assure a quality animal care duties are performed in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and that University and divisional policies are followed.

Job Description

• Manages daily quarantine activities and coordinates all operations for the quarantine facility.

• Coordinates schedules for all incoming and outgoing animal shipments for the quarantine facility. Works with Shipping and Receiving Manager, DCM Procurement, Import/Export Coordinator, DCM Senior Management, and PI’s to ensure flawless transport of animals.

• Prepares and receives highly complex shipping of export and import animals. Requires intricate attention to detail and the ability to effectively communicate with other facilities, high profile researchers, PI’s, DCM Senior Management, Diagnostic Lab, and Import/Export Coordinator.

• Maintains schedules for testing and performs sample collections including fecal samples, taping samples, hair samples and mouth swabs for the animals. Dependent on testing results, coordinates rederivation of animals as necessary with Gnotobiotics Core Facility Director.

• Maintains very detailed records of all shipments, transfers, animal health documents and sample collections. Maintains facility and USDA required documentation for all animals entering quarantine facility.

• Monitors daily animal health and welfare while performing daily observations and cage checks, animal husbandry duties to maintain quality and health of research animals, to include: Performs daily water bottle and cage checks; provide appropriate food and water; perform cage changing and/or cage cleaning as required; record animal health concerns per SOP and/or specified protocols. Conducts room inspections to assess the animals’ health and cage environment as well as all related paperwork and record keeping.

• Provides direction to the husbandry staff on Operations and Facility issues including investigating operational issues, gathering information and details, compiling the information and submitting/presenting data along with recommendation(s) for resolution of the situation/issue to the area supervisor.

• Provides training to new hires in the duties and responsibilities of animal care and facility operations of the quarantine area.

• Performs quality assurance responsibilities in assigned building and other buildings as necessary.

• Operates equipment and use supplies according to safety guidelines; perform general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures.

• Orders supplies and maintains inventory needed to maintain quarantine facility.

• Reviews and develops SOPS related to quarantine processes.

• Rotational work on weekends and holidays is required.

• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions:

• Requires extensive safety training.

• Alternative work schedules.

• Exposure to chemicals.

• High noise environment.

• On-Call.

• Requires protective devices.

• Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.

• Exposure to moving machinery.

• Exposure to animals.

Physical Effort:

• Ability to lift 30 pounds and pass a pre-employment physical exam.

• Typically sitting at desk or table.

• Typically standing or walking.

• Typically bending, crouching and stooping.

• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.

• Occasional lifting (25–50 lbs).

Equipment:

• Office equipment.

• Lab/research equipment.

• Simple hand tools.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role.

Animal Care Learning Program - Purina Institute, Animal Care Learning Program within 6 months - Purina Institute

Work Experience:

Laboratory Animal Research Facility (2 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Associate degree

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)

Work Experience:

Laboratory Animal Care (3 Years)

Skills:

Adaptability, Biomedical Research, Critical Thinking, Detail-Oriented, Effective Written Communication, Following Instructions, Multitasking, Oral Communications, Organizational Leadership, Quality Care, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Stress Management

Grade

R08-H

Salary Range

$18.77 - $31.94 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.