Laboratory Technician 1

This position performs daily tasks necessary for the successful operation of a research animal vivarium. Responsibilities include; provision of daily husbandry care; proper disposal of animal carcasses; giving medical treatments to animals; handling Biohazards in a BSL1, 2, and 3 animal room.

Job Responsibilities:  

•  50% - Follow Standard Operating Procedure in handling biohazards in a BSL 1 and 2 animal room. Trim and maintain animal teeth. Understand and follow basic animal husbandry requirements, mandated by law, to maintain health status of laboratory animals. Set up breeding colonies, segregate pregnant animals, and maintain production records. Observe animals and document abnormalities in appearance based on bodily functions, discharges, etc. Maintain all animal charts, records, and identification cards. Handle and restrain animals through the use of proper handling techniques.
• Daily oversight of the Quarantine area. Understand animal procurement and the receiving and shipping of animals. Understand biosecurity and institute standards to minimize cross contamination between animal groups. Daily oversight and management of cross fostering program. Perform euthanasia procedures on selected species when requested. Complete the cleaning, preparation, and sterilization of surgical instruments. Responsible for the cleanliness of assigned areas. Uses proper agents and dilution mixtures to sanitize floors and areas in and around animal rooms. Ensure that all areas remain clean and sanitized at all times.
• 30%- Run and prep boxes to be autoclaved. Daily operation and maintenance of a large cage washing machine and other sanitizing equipment that cleans cages, glassware, and stainless steel items. Relocate animals to new, clean cages while disposing of used bedding and sanitizing the cages.
• 15%- Follow check lists and per diem sheets to regulate the feeding and watering of animals according to the appropriate time and measurement requirements. Responsible for certain animals being fed according to a specific diet. Documents information in the animal’s record. Monitors environmental conditions and understands security control measures. Documents temperature and humidity conditions of animal rooms. Assist the Laboratory Technician Supervisor with standard operating procedures for all colony operations.
• 5%- Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Two years of general laboratory experience; OR

Completion of an accredited clinical laboratory or medical laboratory technology program; OR
An associate or bachelor's degree in medical technology, nursing, clinical laboratory science, or a biological, physical, or chemical science; OR

Certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician or Laboratory Animal Technologist by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Every six semester hours earned from an accredited college or university in any of the biological, physical, chemical, or agricultural sciences will substitute for one year of experience.

http://apps01.civilservice.louisiana.gov/onestopjobinfo/DisplayJobSpec.aspx?JobCode=117150

Special and Physical Qualifications: 

Safety and Security Sensitive Job - Safety and security-sensitive positions are defined as those positions where any form of substance abuse may affect University activities through unsafe work behavior/performance or error in judgment; or where substance abuse could jeopardize the safety and well-being of employees, other personnel, or the general public, or cause significant damage to University property. This includes positions requiring firearms, access to controlled substances, handling hazardous material, operating heavy equipment or machinery, etc. These positions are subject to drug screens per PS-67/FASOP HR-04.

Emergency Essential Personnel - This position may be required to report to campus in times of emergency and/or closure per PS-18.