Laboratory Animal Supervisor

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400170 Vivarium M&D

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 109 H

Compensation Range:

$27.16 - $38.03

Responsibilities:

This position provides direct research support through overall management of the Gorbunova and Seluanov laboratories and supervision of staff and students involved in animal care and research activities. Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, UCAR/IACUC protocols, Animal Resource policies, and Standard Operating Procedures. Oversee animal breeding and aging colony management, husbandry practices, staff training, and daily laboratory operations for all species, including weekend and holiday coverage. Collaborates with UCAR/IACUC, Animal Resource, DCM veterinarians, Facilities, and research collaborators to support compliance, animal welfare, laboratory operations, training and implementation of new technologies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises students (graduate and undergraduate) and staff (research technicians and post-doctoral and visiting scientists) in providing high-quality care for all research animals used by the laboratory. Ensures personnel perform duties in compliance with all applicable regulations, UCAR/IACUC-approved protocols, UCAR/Animal Resources policies, and Standard Operating Procedures, including required animal monitoring, adherence to veterinary directives, and proper procedural practices. Participate in the annual performance evaluation process for all staff.
• Ensures personnel receive appropriate training in animal husbandry, breeding colony management, procedures approved under UCAR protocols, and applicable UCAR and Animal Resources policies and procedures. Understand all aspects of the UCAR-approved protocol and assign responsibilities to students and staff accordingly. Ensure students and staff report all animal health and welfare concerns to supervisor and veterinary staff and UCAR, if warranted. Maintain approved UCAR protocols including original submissions, triannual renewals, and submission of modifications as needed. Works closely with UCAR and Animal Resources on compliance-related matters.
• Ensure provision of husbandry to all animals under lab’s care as per UCAR approved satellite husbandry management plan including weekend and holiday coverage. Ensure lab monitor all experimental mice (including aging mice) as per UCAR approved monitoring frequency. Coordinates proper husbandry practices for animal species such as naked mole rats, Damaraland mole rats and degu under laboratory care and collaborates with Animal Resources regarding special care needs.
• Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, research technical staff, and post-doctorates on research animal procedures and practices.  Supervise lab staff to execute projects as per UCAR approved protocols. Instruct students and professional staff in the proper method of record keeping (breeding and experimental animal census, laboratory notebooks, chemical inventory and hazardous waste disposal). 
• Responsible for designing animal studies as well as collection and analysis of animal tissues for use in assays. Communicate with other collaborators, internally and externally, to learn new technologies to establish in the laboratories.
• Other projects and job duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree and 7 years of experience in animal handling required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3 years demonstrated leadership experience required
• Prior experience in a lab animal facility preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong attention to detail, interpersonal, organization, demonstrated customer service skills, and communication skills (including written communication). required
• Ability to lift repetitively up to 50 lbs and ability to work weekends and holidays when necessary. required
• Knowledge of computer software packages. required
• Knowledge of animal husbandry and knowledge of regulations related to animal husbandry. preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.