GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.

The Ragon Institute is seeking a skilled technician for colony management at the newly opening Ragon vivarium. The Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard is a located in the heart of Technology Square in Cambridge. The vivarium is a brand new, state of the art facility. In this role, the Animal Care and Breeding Specialist (ACBS) will perform a variety of animal care and colony management duties. This position will work in consultation with laboratory staff on generation and maintenance of their rodent lines. The ACBS, under minimal direction, will perform and/or coordinate management of rodent colonies and health issues. There may be opportunities for training in a variety of support tasks and services as determined by the Vivarium Director as well as the interests of the candidate.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates and carries out multiple aspects of animal colony maintenance including but not limited to, breeding consultation with laboratory staff, setting up breeding pairs, pup checks, weans, identification, filling breeding requests, detailed record keeping, and monthly mouse colony counts.
• Assists Vivarium management with ensuring adherence to all institutional, local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure proper animal care, health, and welfare.
• May help perform vivarium maintenance tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis such as autoclaving, supply inventories, ordering, organization, shipping and receiving, working with vendors, and undertaking special projects as required.
• Contributes to unit goals by undertaking other duties as required.
• Liaise with, contribute, support, and provide data and information to the Veterinarian, Vivarium Managers and research staff.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum degree and field of knowledge: Associates' degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, or other Scientific field. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Years experience required: 1-3 years of experience in animal handling in a laboratory setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficient in verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations regarding animal health and colony management to research staff.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Has a customer-focused attitude and enjoys working with similarly dedicated persons in a team fashion within a collaborative research environment.
• Has an above average understanding of animal handling, identification (including tattoos), and basic technical skills i.e.. Subcutaneous injections, blood collection, tissue collection and anesthesia in rodents.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Familiarity with vivarium software and colony management systems.
• The ability to work directly with animals (including mice and rats), with no preexisting allergies to animals, hair, dander, or biproducts that would affect ability to work with these animals. Must be able to perform in this environment with exposure to these potential allergens for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 8 hour shift.
• The ability to lift 50 lbs., push or pull up to 100 lbs., and perform other physical tasks.
• Must be willing to be fit tested and wear a N95 mask (by being clean shaven for proper and necessary fit) or alternatively, if necessary, a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) as required.
• Ability to work in Biosafety levels up to BSL-3
• Ability to work with biological and chemical hazards
• May occasionally need to report to work in the event of a disaster, or weather-related event, if necessary
• LAT Certification Preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The ability to work directly with animals (including mice and rats), with no preexisting allergies to animals, hair, dander, or biproducts that would affect ability to work with these animals. Must be able to perform in this environment with exposure to these potential allergens for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 8 hour shift.
• The ability to lift 50 lbs., push or pull up to 100 lbs., and perform other physical tasks.
• Must be willing to be fit tested and wear a N95 mask (by being clean shaven for proper and necessary fit) or alternatively, if necessary, a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) as required.
• Ability to work in Biosafety levels up to BSL-3
• Ability to work with biological and chemical hazards
• May occasionally need to report to work in the event of a disaster, or weather-related event, if necessary
• This position is considered essential. May be required to work on weekends, holidays, and off hours.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.