Vivarium Operations Associate 2 - Gems Support

Job Description Summary

This role is an experienced and highly technical position responsible for supporting the breeding of Genetically Engineered Models by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, breeding service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Vivarium Operations Associate II

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

** This role is based in Cambridge, MA.  Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you. 

Job Description Summary:

This role is an experienced and highly technical position responsible for supporting the breeding of Genetically Engineered Models by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, breeding service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.

Key responsibilities:

• Principally responsible for daily, hands-on in vivo breeding support. This includes the following procedures:  

• • Establish and take down mating pairs  

• • Perform ear and tail biopsies  

• • Apply and read animal identifications (both ear tag and tail tattoos)  

• • Enter animal data into database  

• • Print and edit cage cards  

• • Perform plug checks  

• • Perform supply requests  

• • Perform relocation requests  

• • Perform protocol transfer requests  

• • Wean pups  

• • Mouse Euthanasia   

• Routinely responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines  

• Responsible for pursuing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.  

• Proactively meet and exceed customer service expectations  

• Effectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable technical skills as required by the job  

• Team-oriented and interactive.  Supportive of peer/team development and performance  

• Continuously support Technical Services Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals  

• Other duties and responsibilities may be required. 

Essential Requirements:

• Associate’s degree in animal science or related field plus a minimum of one to two years’ experience working in a laboratory animal facility performing breeding colony maintenance and husbandry.  
• Working knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPs
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and move heavy objects. Must be able work from a standing position for prolonged time periods and perform repetitive motion tasks
• Availability for weekend, holiday, and inclement weather coverage as needed.

Desirable Requirements:

• ALAT Certification, or pursued after start

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $39.49/hr. and $73.33/hr. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$77,000.00 - $143,000.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Anesthesiology, Animal Husbandry, Animal Models, Animal Testing, Animal Welfare, Collaboration, Communication, Cultural Humility, Data Analysis, Data Management, Delegation Management, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Employee Benefits, Employee Compensation and Benefits, Employee Motivation, Higher Education Research, Leading Project Teams, Management Development, Organizing, Patient Care, Pharmacology, Physics {+ 9 more}