Animal Technician

Berkeley Lab addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Position Summary:

Berkeley Lab’s BioSciences Area Office Division has an opening for an Animal Technician. You will perform various duties pertaining to animal husbandry and related equipment to assist with daily husbandry and the general health of the laboratory animals used by scientific staff. This position will operate and maintain equipment and cages, transfer and handle animals, and examine them for evidence of disease or injury.  Position reports to the Animal Facility Manager. This position will be filled at the level 2 or 3, dependent on experience.

Specific Responsibilities - Animal Technician (Level 2):

• Follow general oral and written instructions for tasks of moderate complexity.

• Make independent decisions, applying his/her knowledge of animal husbandry.

• Apply knowledge of animal husbandry to effectively resolve common problems.

• Perform specialized tasks used in the care and handling of Gnotobiotic mice.

• Must follow SOP, AAALAC and NIH guidelines of animal husbandry requirements with regards to feeding, watering, temperature and general health of the animals.

• Maintain all support equipment such as the cage washer, sterilizer, vacuum system, laminar flow hoods, bio-clean hood.

• Assume adequacy of stockroom supplies such as animal feed, bedding, door filters, detergents, disinfectants, and PPE.

• Know proper procedures for handling and transferring all animals.

• Good record keeping of all animal facility logs.

• Able to work weekends, holidays and overtime.

• Work as a team and assist the Animal Facility Manager.

• Be able to work in the various animal facilities in campus.

In addition to the above, the Animal Technician (Level 3) Specific Responsibilities:

• Ability to undertake sophisticated tasks in specialized areas of animal husbandry such as: Gnotobiotic colony, breeding management, performing body weights and entry data of clinical observations.

• Ability to make and complete evaluations on the health of all animals and may treat health problems when appropriate.

• Advanced technical skills sufficient to operate and maintain equipment and make routine repairs and act as a liaison with vending companies for more complex repairs.

• May provide technical guidance to other employees. May lead the work of other employees.  Trains other employees on routine procedures and equipment use.

Required Qualifications - Animal Technician (Level 2):

• Completed the curriculum, as specified by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, for certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician, or equivalent education and experience.

• Experience handling laboratory animals, particularly rodents.

• Minimum of 4 to 6 years of related laboratory experience (e.g. work experience in a laboratory, or similar environment with animal husbandry training.)

• Basic computer skills needed to send emails, follow Google calendar or perform data entry in an excel spreadsheet.

In addition to the above, the Animal Technician (Level 3) will have:

• Certification as Laboratory Animal Technologist as specified by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, or equivalent education and training.

• Minimum of 6 plus years of related laboratory experience (e.g. work experience in a laboratory, veterinary office or similar environment with animal husbandry training).

Additional Desired Qualifications for Both Levels:

• Familiarity with cage washing equipment, sterilizers, vacuum system.

• AALAS certification ALAT or LAT level.
  
  

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on February 10, 2017.

Notes:

• This is a temporary variable limited appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. Cannot exceed 900 hours within a rolling 12-month period.

• Classification will depend upon the applicant's level of skills, knowledge, and abilities.

• Variable, non-exempt (hourly paid) from overtime.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• Salary will be determined based on range by collective bargaining agreement.

• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab 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. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."