Animal Research Technician

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Job Summary
Reporting to the Principal Investigators and receiving direction from other senior
collaborators, the Animal Research Technician works as a member of a team to support
on-going research in the area of neuroimmunology. The Animal Research Technician
assists and participates in the research activities of the laboratories as required under
the direction of PI.

Duties of this position will include the general care of animals, breeding, genotyping,
and colony maintenance. The incumbent will also provide assistance to the mouse
colony breeding program, in collaboration with senior technical staff and trainees.
The incumbent will be expected to wean and genotype experimental animals in a timely
manner, carry out routine PCR analysis to confirm animal genotypes, and maintain and
continually update a database of mouse colonies. The incumbent will be working with
mice and may be working with hazardous materials. The incumbent will keep a log of
animal numbers and usage for the three laboratories.
**Job Description**:
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Animal husbandry of mouse colonies.
- Follow established protocols to genotype animals using standard PCR assays in a

timely manner.
- Follow proper protocol to prepare and conduct experiments and observe and record

results.
- Ensure materials are available, tabulate and record results.
- Report results of animal husbandry to senior lab staff.
- Maintain a log book detailing activities and the various experimental protocols with

which they are engaged.
- Work safely in the animal facility and perform basic safety procedures, including

proper hazardous waste and sharps disposal.
- Maintain a log of animal husbandry and genotypes and provide input where

appropriate.
- Perform basic administrative procedures to support the lab. This will include

database maintenance, scheduling, and inventory/ordering of lab supplies.
- Perform routine lab chores (washing glassware, replenishing shared supplies/reagents, etc.)

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Completion of a two-year post-secondary program in Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Assistant, or related field.
- Work experience in an animal care environment and proven knowledge of routine animal care procedures is essential.
- Prior experience working with small animals and rodents will be considered an asset.
- On-the-job training will provide the incumbent with specific knowledge required for the position.
- Safety-related training will be provided on-the-job.

**SPECIAL SKILLS**:

- Basic skills working with the handling of mice.
- Care in handling biohazardous materials, operating routine lab equipment, and preparing solutions or samples.
- Foresight in predicting problems and preventing them from occurring where possible, for example troubleshooting genotyping and optimizing mouse breeding logistics based on experimental need.
- Ability to coordinate experimental schedules.
- Manual dexterity with an ability to perform repetitive movements.
- Multi-tasking and good organizational skills.
- Able to work with a diverse group of people.

**DECISION MAKING**:

- Decide whether a mouse requires specific veterinary attention and notify principal investigators and veterinary staff when necessary.
- Determine best way to correct minor methodological deviations.
- Direct research inquiries to the proper person or supply the answer if appropriate.
- Prioritize time and determine the most efficient use of personal resources within set priorities outlined by the supervisor.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement