Principal Research Associate

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position will conduct in vivo study work in rodents to support research programs. Perform high level tasks and play a lead role in the day-to-day technical operations as needed. Collaborate with the veterinary staff to ensure that the health and welfare of laboratory animals are maintained in compliance with local, state, federal, and institutional guidelines and regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently perform all procedures and conduct all study types while fulfilling all proficiency standards and expectations.
• Possess strong technical and hands on experience to perform a broad range of in vivo procedures, including common techniques, specialized techniques, and survival surgeries, e.g., dosing, blood collection, necropsy, biomaterial implantations, perfusions.
• Help to manage aspects of technical services, including the day-to-day activities.
• Assist in mentoring, training, and competency/proficiency assessment of laboratory staff.
• Contribute to the development efforts for new in vivo techniques and expand technical service offerings.
• Lead coordination of laboratory projects and initiatives, like audits, supplies/technical equipment management (including routine maintenance), and others.
• Perform study preparation activities, including but not limited to, IACUC and study protocol review, collection tube labeling, and room setup.
• Conduct laboratory procedures in compliance with approved IACUC protocols and study plans. Comply with all SOPs, BOPs, and CRADL standards pertaining to laboratory animals for research.
• Identify and report any experimental/study problems, proactively troubleshoot causative factors, and implement necessary corrections following discussion with supervisor.
• Participate in the development of organizational and function-specific SOPs, in compliance with all state, federal, and industry requirements.
• Document experimental data as requested by clients in technical notebooks or approved electronic files.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory records/documentation while assuring quality and data integrity.
• Contribute to IACUC documentation and amendment submissions when required.
• Learn and grow both in technical skills and scientific knowledge base.
• Help management to identify potential problems in the laboratory and think outside the box to make suggestions to improve existing techniques and processes.
• Report non-compliance or animal welfare concerns to the appropriate Animal Welfare Team member or IACUC office.
• Collaborate with other personnel within and across teams and departments to facilitate completion of assignments.
• Ensure that clean work areas and laboratory supply inventory is maintained.
• Attend and participate in on-the-job and classroom training sessions; complete all assigned computer-based safety and professional development training.
• Maintain required attendance level and adherence to work schedule in accordance with required staffing levels to ensure that assigned duties are completed.
• Perform other duties as directed by management.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Working knowledge and general understanding of the following guidelines and regulations: "The Guide", PHS Policy, and AVMA and importance of ethical use of animals in research.
• Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workloads and prioritize job duties with minimal guidance.
• Strong proficiency of in vivo technical skills and comprehensive hands-on experience with mice and rat species, ability to identify sick animals and summarize findings.
• Knowledge and understanding of a variety of animal models in pharmacokinetics, toxicology, oncology, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, and immune disorders.
• Demonstrate a high level of initiative to troubleshoot and solve issues in the laboratory.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and respond timely to the needs of a fast-paced growing organization and client needs to ensure that excellent customer service is always provided.
• Working knowledge of laboratory animal or study specific equipment and supplies, including autoclave, IVIS, irradiator, caging systems, biosecurity such as personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and biological or chemical hazard requirements.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a professional manner with clients, customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to demonstrate strong teamwork orientation, strong organizations skills, attention to detail, and superior customer service focus.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and database systems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in animal science, biological sciences, or related discipline required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of laboratory animal experience, including advanced in vivo technical skills. Experience as team or work lead, preferred.
• AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist level (LATG) preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and certifications may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move about inside the facility, communicate, and operate a computer. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls repetitively, and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up 100 pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works with computers.
• Work in a busy research environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and risk of electrical shock.
• Work with animal species including rodents, with risk of exposure to animal allergens, zoonotic disease, and biohazards.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.