Preclinical Services Technologist - Comparative Medicine Services

Overview

Comparative Medicine Services (CMS) provides facilities, services, and information to facilitate effective research using laboratory animals at Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center (TMC) in Boston, Tufts University in Medford, and industry and academic research laboratories. CMS is also obligated to ensure that animal care procedures and animal experimentation comply with federal, state, and local regulations. The management and operation of the animal care activities of all sites are integral to the animal care and use program. All centralized facilities are located within a 2-block radius, either in Boston or Medford.

What You'll Do

The Preclinical Services Technologist is responsible for coordinating and performing some or all of the animal work for research projects. The Preclinical Services Technologist will perform both pre and post-procedural care for both rodent and non-rodent models. The Preclinical Services Technologist will assist in study development and coordination, inventory, ordering supplies, protocol writing, and generating estimates and study sheets for proposed work. Other work may include tissue harvest and use of laboratory equipment including centrifuge, microscopes, etc. The Preclinical Services Technologist will follow the procedures and guidelines approved by these institutions.

As a Preclinical Services Technologist essential functions will be:
Technical Assistance

• Perform independently or assist veterinarians and investigative staff in technical services, i.e., injections, blood collection, euthanasia, etc.
• Assist investigative staff in project coordination including scheduling, supply ordering and management, and coordination of study details.
• Maintain appropriate and accurate records and data sheets for studies and medical records.
• Assist in training investigative staff in techniques associated with research projects.
• Assist with anesthesia induction, animal transport, anesthesia monitoring, and recovery

Animal Care

• Perform pre and post-procedural checking of animals
• Administer treatments and provide care to the animals as directed by the CMS veterinarian(s) or written in approved protocol.
• Provide social, food, and physical enrichment to the animals.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with facility regulations and expectations and state and federal regulations governing the use of animals in research for animals housed at this institution.
• Report on quality assurance findings to the Tufts CMS veterinarian(s) and assist in developing methods to correct items of non-compliance.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of compliance reviews and correspondence with CMS and investigative staff.
• Protocol review prior to beginning research studies.

Training

• Assist with the federally mandated program for teaching humane animal use procedures.
• Actively participates in interdepartmental and continuing education seminars.
• Keep up with current developments in methods, standards, and requirements for training in animal research and current laws, regulations, CMS guidelines, and IACUC policies governing animal research, teaching, and testing.

Administrative

• Assist with drug and supply ordering, inventory, and distribution; room maintenance; and any other additional responsibilities as assigned by the CMS Preclinical Services Supervisor or Senior Manager or CMS veterinarian(s).
• Provide estimates to investigative staff for upcoming work.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• knowledge or experience as typically acquired through an Associates Degree in Veterinary Science or Technology, Animal Science, Biological Sciences, or related field and 1-3 years Veterinary Technician or laboratory animal medicine experience.
• AALAS certifications recommended, and technician will be required to achieve Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certification within 3 years of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field, and/or Certified Veterinary Technician and 3-5 years of experience in related field with some level of AALAS certification
• Excellent writing skills, comfortable using the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Able to perform the flowing techniques in rodents and/or large animals: PO, SQ, ID, IM, IP dosing, blood collection, necropsy and tissue collection, anesthesia monitoring.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with investigative staff, and communicate animal health issues, compliance issues, training, facility issues, etc. in a professional collegial manner with members of the investigative and Tufts CMS staff.
• Detail oriented and have superb organizational skills.
• Work effectively in a variety of situations; be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, demonstrate good work habits, and show flexibility and initiative.

Pay Range

Minimum $24.30, Midpoint $28.90, Maximum $33.50

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.