Biocontainment Veterinary Research Technician I

Description

The Biocontainment Veterinary Research Technician in the ABSL-3 and ABSL-4 will provide general care, husbandry, and handling of the animals. May assist with select procedures in support of immunogenicity and efficacy studies. Assist with documentation of data and perform other duties as detailed in job description, or other duties as assigned.

The Role:

• Ability to understand and practice all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), training manuals, and Biosafety and Operation Manuals.
• Must be willing and able to work in ABSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 facilities while wearing applicable protective clothing such as; positive pressure suits, power air purifying respirators, and/or other appropriate personal protective equipment for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoJ Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval, and CDC Select Agent Program approval. This includes initial and periodic drug screenings.
• Ability to withstand continuous standing and walking on hard floor surfaces.
• Technician(s) work prolonged periods in auditory and physical isolation while inside containment laboratory.
• Handling and restraint of multiple laboratory animal species used in biomedical research.
• Assist with project support procedures such as follows:
• Health monitoring/assessment of animals.
• Appropriate sample collection/processing on multiple species used in biomedical research.
• Performing blood analysis using various benchtop equipment.
• Provide and/or prepare medications and/or treatments as needed
• Prepare animals for pathological evaluation, performs euthanasia, and verifies death.
• Provide support to pathologist during necropsy or tissue collection.
• Ability to communicate effectively with fellow technicians, the Veterinarian, Study Director, and/or PI.
• General maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment used for project support.
• Cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization of lab equipment.
• Maintain clinical and research support areas.
• Assist with in vitro work and equipment to include:
• Proper aliquoting and pipetting technique
• Proper use of centrifuge
• Ability to operate autoclave and verify sterility
• Accurate written and computerized record keeping of all husbandry and procedures performed.
• Performs quality review of laboratory records for completeness and accuracy

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Required: High school diploma or general equivalency diploma. Two or more years of job specific experience or in some circumstances advanced degrees/certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Preferred: AALAS (ALAT, LAT, or LATg) certification. Sixty (60) hours from accredited college or university or an Associate’s Degree or graduate of AVMA accredited veterinary technician program or Military Occupational School (MOS 68T – Animal Care Specialist). Previous biomedical research experience working with Non-Human Primates (NHP’s) or other laboratory animals.
• Must have valid driver’s license and meet Texas Biomed driving standards

Working Environment:

Potential Hazards: This work will involve potential exposure to chemical hazards such as carcinogens (Formalin), toxic materials (Formalin). Physical hazards include: Cryogenics (liquid nitrogen) and radiograph equipment. Biological hazards include: Infectious materials to include select agents (Such as Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses) (ABSL-2, ABSL-3 or ABSL-4). This work will also involve working with laboratory animals such as Non-Human Primates (Macaque, Marmoset), Rodents (Mice, Guinea Pigs) and other animals as needed for project support. Potential exists for animal bites, scratches, and allergies.

OTHER:

This is a full-time hourly paid position. Texas Biomed business hours are 7am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. Ability to work variable work hours on frequent basis. This would include evenings/nights, weekends, holidays, and any other unforeseen circumstances.

Who We Are: 

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! 

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine: 

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally-designated National Primate Research Center 
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval 

What We Can Offer You:

· Employee-centered culture with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust! 

· Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets)!

· An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 7% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)!

· Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess (paid week off the last week of December)

· On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management! 

· On-site gym & wellness programs!

· Flexible work arrangements for work-life balance!

· Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadership programs to help you thrive both personally and professionally. 

We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity! Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.