At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
NOTE: This position is related to the care and housing of laboratory animals (mice and rats).
*As part of a Career Progression Group, vacancies may be filled from this recruitment as a Lab Tech Assistant 2 or 3 depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Lab Tech Assistant in Comparative Biology.
Perform daily husbandry duties (husbandry duties includes handling the animals, providing fresh food & water and cleaning soiled cages on a weekly basis) for live laboratory animals. Must follow all state and federal regulations regarding the care and use of laboratory animals at this facility.
Lab Tech Assistant 2 or 3 - Animal Care
Ensure standard of care for research animals such as rats and mice.
Understand and follow animal husbandry requirements mandated by law to maintain health status of different animal species and strains.
Basic technical skills to give medical treatments to animals including reading and understanding medical terms, injection of drugs, and simple dilution rates for dosing.
Understand the importance of and be able to monitor environmental conditions including understand security control measures. Requires ability to strictly follow security standards, read minimum/maximum thermometers, document temperature and humidity conditions.
Set up breeding colony, segregate pregnant animals, maintain production records and census.
Observe animals, be able to distinguish subtle abnormalities, and document findings of bodily appearance, function, discharges, etc.
Handle and restrain animals through use of gentle, quick, and proper handling techniques.
Required Qualifications
Lab Tech Assistant 2 - One year of experience as a phlebotomist, EKG/ECG technician, pulmonary technician, respiratory care technician; or in the care, preparation or handling of laboratory animals or laboratory specimens; or in the preparation and handling of cadavers.*Civil Service approved substitutions available.
Lab Tech Assistant 3 - Two years of experience as a phlebotomist, EKG/ECG technician, pulmonary technician, respiratory care technician; or in the care, preparation or handling of laboratory animals or laboratory specimens; or in the preparation and handling of cadavers. *Civil Service approved substitutions available.
Must have tolerance to animal hair/dander and corncob/wood shavings.
Must wear required personal protection equipment (e.g. full face respirator, safety glasses, gloves, earplugs, rubber boots).
Must be able to work some weekends, holidays, overtime, and at times when center is closed and essential operations continue.
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.