Spec, Lab Animal Research

Job ID: req3073
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Laboratory Animal Science Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease, which are aimed at the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. LASP contributes to advancing human health, developing new treatments, and improving existing treatments for cancer and other diseases while ensuring safe and humane treatment of animals.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Lab Animal Research Specialist will support the maintenance and expansion of a transgenic mouse colony generating mice which develop spontaneous pancreatic cancers. Responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring animal behavior
• Maintenance and reproduction of animals in the colony (breeding) including tail snipping (and sending tails for genotyping), weaning, and setting up new breeders
• Recording detailed information about each animal's weight, size, tumor growth (through abdominal palpations), diet, and behavior
• Maintaining database records
• Dosing of experimental compounds through various routes (IP, IV, PO, topic applications)
• Transferring of animals between the colony and Small Animal Imaging Program (SAIP) for ultrasound imaging, facilitating communications with LASP scientific cores, such as Small Animal Imaging Program, Molecular Diagnostics and Molecular Histotechnology Lab
• Collecting and communicating data and attending team meetings to discuss animal studies and changes to the transgenic mouse colony

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Any combination of education and progressively responsible technical experience which qualifies the candidate to sit for the LATG Certification exam within 12 months of hire or (CHEA) Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or Veterinary Technology. Will encourage achievement of LATG Certification, however this is not required
• Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures
• Experience in performing experimental procedures
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and the basic requirements for maintaining laboratory animals and performing scientific procedures involving animal testing and data collection
• Ability to wear lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and wear personal protective equipment
• Ability to work in a team and communicate with management in a demanding scientific environment
• Ability to keep detailed and accurate computer records and maintain/update data in computer-based applications/databases
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• LAT certification and ability to pass LATG exam within 12 months of hire
• Excellent observation and organization skills

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to animal(s)
  and/or animal material(s)
• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious
  material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations
• This position is subject to working in or have the potential to exposure to high noise
  levels for extended periods of time requiring medical clearance
• This position may require continuous or intermittent exposure to and exertion in
  environmental conditions such as working outdoors, temperature extremes, humidity extremes.
  etc. as part of the job
  

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

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