Department Description The California National Primate Research Center, CNPRC at UC Davis, is an Organized Research Unit that conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health problems where non-human primates is the animal of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to both UC Davis and NIH missions of teaching and service.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Animal Care Supervisor, perform both routine and complex animal care tasks in the infectious areas of the indoor colony and Quarantine (ABSL2and 3 conditions) with duties that include observing animals for abnormal behavior, health monitoring, feed animals, and clean animal rooms and cages. Provide animal care, technical and experimental project support services and study support services to research Principal Investigators (PIs), which includes performing technical laboratory animal procedures requiring various levels of biohazard containment in the indoor nonhuman primate colony, such as monitoring and assessing health in the Infectious and Quarantine areas (includes BSL3) and preventative health program (morning/afternoon health management). Technical duties include but not limited to blood collection(venipuncture), dosing/administering IM injections, performing a variety of sample collections, and performing other technical procedures and routine animal care tasks. Provide research technical support by responding to scheduled colony and experimental work orders, provide support for colony health management, hand catch, capture and restrain nonhuman primates, and recognize changes in physical appearance or abnormal behavior of nonhuman primates.
The incumbent will work under minimal supervision in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards governing animal research (NIH/OLAW/AAALAC) and all safety procedures according to NIH standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Familiarity with regulations, guidelines, and policies to ensure that animals are provided appropriate care to promote physical and psychological well-being and minimize discomfort. Employee is required to work with animals (nonhuman primates) that are either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, Herpes B, ZIKA, influenza, Chikungunya Virus and Measles.

Position Information

Apply by Date

06/19/2024

Salary Range

$24.76 - $29.34 /hour

Appointment Type

Career

Number of Positions

1

Percentage of Time

100%

Shift Hours

Manager will advise

Location

Davis, Ca

Union Representation

TX - Technical

Benefits Eligible

Yes

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Restrain animal for prolonged periods of time.
• Position self to move and handle a variety of animals weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Sustained periods of physical activity such as standing, bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level, and lift 50 pounds. Work under challenging conditions (high humidity/temperature, unpleasant odors, animal excreta and noise).
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers.
• Handle and treat animals in relatively confined spaces.
• Repeated lifting of cages that weigh 55-130 lbs.
• Lift and move loaded animal transfer cages weighing up to 50 lbs. to cage elevations 7 feet high.
• Push rolling cages/racks that may weigh from 250-600 pounds.
• Lift and move a 25-pound sack of chow.
• Position self to maneuver feeds and bedding materials.
• Handle, move, and transport animals.
• Substantial contact with animals, including repeated capture and prolonged restraint of animals.
• Work may be physically demanding, involving the transport, relocation and positioning of supplies and caging equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• TB test or chest x-ray, blood sample, counseling/orientation interview with Occupational Medicine is required before employment and annually thereafter.
• Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level (BSL ) 1, 2, or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Work involves exposure to bio-hazards, chemicals and/or physical risks, which require following established safety procedures. May take multiple showers each day and wear PPE ( PAPRS , protective clothing, battery packs, respirators, gloves) and stand on hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.
• Restricted vacation during peak workload periods. Work irregular shifts, including overtime, occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings on short notice.
• Must obtain forklift operation certification within 6 months from date of hire.
• California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum License/Certification:

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) technician certification: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT).

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Journey-level knowledge and experience as an animal technician in biohazard containment procedures under BioSafety Level ( BSL ) 2 or 3 facilities. Must have applied experience and ability to handle laboratory animals in a manner that avoids injury to self or animals, and to exercise basic principles of animal care related to disease control, sanitation and environmental enrichment.
• Laboratory animal technical training and experience working with nonhuman primates which includes experience conditioning and training non-human primates, capture and physical restraint, technical experience administering IM injections, dosing, performing venipuncture, sample collections, and recognizing changes in physical appearance or abnormal behavior of nonhuman primates.
• Experience in specialty area such as nonhuman primate facilities, barrier, hazard containment and animal facility. Experience handling and training nonhuman primates, including chair training, capture and physical restraint of macaques. Experience in Specific Pathogen Free ( SPF) animal handling procedures, including infection control and containment, and Animal husbandry experience working with infectious animal housing.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of NIH, OLAW, USDA regulations and AALAS practices and Protocols pertaining to primate non-human animal models. Skills and abilities to be compassionate, kind, and humane when working with animals involved in scientific research.
• Ability to be patient helps to calm nervous or frightened animals during testing or if they are ill. Skills to accurately assessing the habits, behavior, and physical appearance of an animal is important to obtaining accurate research findings.
• Ability to have strong relationship skills allows technicians to work effectively with scientists, assistants, and others involved in animal research. Ability to describe and record observations, calculations, and findings clearly and accurately is key.

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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience operating a medical waste autoclave, mechanical cage washer, steam pressure gun, and operating a forklift.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Ability to be kind and humane when working with animals involved in scientific research.
• Ability to be patient to help calm nervous or frightened animals during testing or if they are ill.
• Skills to observe and accurately assess the habits, behavior, and physical appearance of animals to assure accurate research findings.
• Ability to perform duties and responsibilities with attention to detail and support for organizational policies, as well as the ability to anticipate demands/pressures of assignments and adjust accordingly.
• Ability to follow through on commitments, demand trustworthiness in others, display courage and objectivity, and incorporate honesty, respect, and fairness in daily actions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.