Vivarium Support Technician (Temp-to-Hire)

About the role: 

In this role, you will provide vivarium support by cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining all animal caging materials, cagewash equipment, and vivarium spaces to support scientific research at Janelia. This will include caging for a variety of laboratory animal species, including, but not limited to mice, rats, and zebrafish.  Under minimal supervision, the position will be focused on meeting the needs of the vivarium and exhibiting good time management.  This will support the Janelia researchers conducting basic science in a dynamic team-oriented environment.  

Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs. 

About the Vivarium: 

The Vivarium at Janelia is an AAALAC accredited facility that supports ground-breaking research in a variety of animal models (currently with a focus on mice, rats, and zebrafish) and is one of the highest regarded in the world. Vivarium operations are designed to enhance scientific progress and impact, while providing best-in-class welfare for, and responsible use of, laboratory animals. Our approach involves Vivarium staff working very closely with our scientists by taking responsibility and ownership of processes that involve animals, but are not data driven, to allow researchers to focus on data intensive tasks. 

What we provide: 

• An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment. 

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration. 

• Once trained, flexible schedule  

What you’ll do: 

• Operate equipment in the cagewash facility; including a rack washer, robotic index washer and sterilizers, according to safety guidelines. 

• Sanitize, maintain, and repair caging materials as needed. Maintain cagewash facilities in a clean and organized manner, in adherence with all facility requirements. 

• Monitor daily operation of cagewash equipment, including proper function, and user level maintenance. 

• Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed. (e.g. written records, charts, logs and inventories.) 

• Assist with the receipt, stocking, and maintenance of supply inventories. 

• Actively interact with customers as required to resolve customer requests, inquiries, and complaints and to provide technical assistance. 

• Dispose of animal carcasses, biohazards, and chemical hazards following established procedures. 

• Clean and sanitize facility. 

What you bring: 

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. 

• One year post high school experience working with mechanical washing equipment; minimum of six (6) months experience working in a research animal facility preferred. 

• Enthusiasm and self-motivation, with the ability to make and meet commitments, and work independently with minimal supervision. 

• Ability to learn tasks quickly and balance multiple requests. 

• Skilled in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs. 

• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing team environment to accomplish mutual goals. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication, written and verbal, skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, and management.