Lab Animal Research Specialist

Job ID: req2875
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 focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease. The Animal Research Technical Support (ARTS) team within LASP utilizes advanced methodologies to perform research into the development of new cancer models, targeted diagnostics, and cancer therapies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Lab Animal Research Specialist, you will be working closely with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment on multiple basic and translational cancer research projects simultaneously. Types of studies include tumorigenesis, toxicity, PK/PD, cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy studies on xenograft/allograft, PDX, or genetically engineered mouse models. Responsibilities include working closely with senior technical staff on conducting parts of or entire in vivo portions of studies from start to finish, including organizing experiments, performing injections, recording and creating detailed study reports, and updates for the investigators. Lab Animal Research Specialists help coordinate and communicate study details and scheduling with other core facilities, team members, and management. Specific responsibilities include:

• Performing rodent colony management and maintenance of real-time animal colony database (TOPAZ).
• Following breeding strategies based on genotyping results.
• Independently carrying out parts of or complete experimental studies under the guidance of senior staff.
• Administration of experimental compounds and chemical carcinogens.
• Performing injections via various routes including s.c., i.p., i.v., and oral gavage.
• Monitoring phenotypes and treatment responses.
• Performing detailed necropsy procedures to collect blood and tissues.
• Collecting and recording tumor measurements and body weights utilizing electronic instruments and databases.
• Working with potentially hazardous radiological, chemical, and biological materials.
• This is a change-in facility.
• Work schedule may include weekend and holiday hours.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Possession of Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or 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.
• Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Experience in management of genetically engineered mouse models.
• Proficiency in performing rodent related techniques such as injections via various routes, blood and tissue collection.
• Experience in rodent breeding colony management and associated procedures.
• Experience in performing experimental procedures including injections and compound administration.
• Experience working with various tumor models.
• Ability to maintain precise, accurate records utilizing different software platforms.
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures for animal facilities and ACUC guidelines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and to wear respiratory protection equipment if necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Experience with cancer treatment or vaccine studies in rodents.
• Experience preparing medicated water and chemicals.
• LAT certification and ability to pass LATG exam within 12 months of hire
• Ability to work in a team and communicate with management in a demanding scientific environment.
• Excellent time management and organization skills; ability to multi-task and work under time constraints.
  
• Excellent written and oral communications 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 atmospheric conditions that would require the usage of a
  respirator, requiring a medical clearance.
• 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.
• This position is subject to working with radioactive material and requires to become
  an approved radiation worker.

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

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