Vivarium Operations Associate

Synectics Inc

Cambridge, MA, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Full Time

Job Description

Job Purpose:

This role is an experienced animal care and vivarium operations position responsible for supporting research by providing high quality & consistent animal care/husbandry, vivarium operational service support and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a multi-building, multi-discipline research program.
Principally responsible for daily husbandry to animals (predominantly rodents, some small animal USDA), clinical observations, maintenance of the animal facilities (sanitation of animal rooms & equipment), receipt of incoming animals & supplies, fulfilling research requests, animal transfers and relocations.
Often responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines.
Maintenance of relevant facility/animal records.
Make independent decisions regarding operational standards/situations.
Responsible for pursing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.
Driven by the needs of our scientific partner/collaborator, limited routine technical procedures on animals may also be assigned.
Key Performance Indicators (Indicate how performance will be measured: indicators, activities)
Provide consistent and high quality on-site animal care and vivarium maintenance
Effectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable operational skills as required
Team oriented and interactive.
Foster peer/team development and performance
Strong attention to completion of tasks in an efficient/consistent manner
Continuously support Vivarium Operations Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Continuously pursue educational and professional development opportunities to enhance and expand relevant skills and knowledge
Identify and resolve on-site vivarium operational issues/challenges
Execute detail-specific operational support
Shift timings: 7AM to 3 PM EST (Monday to Sunday) Days are not fixed

Qualifications:

GED or High School degree required
2-year degree in Veterinary Technology
4-year Science degree, or a combination of experience with higher education preferred
ALAT Certification desirable or pursued after start
Working knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPs
Thorough understanding and comprehension of operational standards, processes, equipment, etc. as they relate to operational responsibilities
Strong experience (2 - 4 years) working with animals or performing animal husbandry in a research setting.
Strong commitment to providing quality research support, be dedicated to providing consistent, humane animal care in accordance with Laboratory Animal Care regulations/standards.
Strong commitment to providing humane, consistent, and high quality daily care to research animals
Strong interpersonal skills (transparency, professionalism, communication)
Strong sense of personal accountability, reliability and integrity
Team-oriented and interactive. Fosters peer/team development and performance.
Organized, effective time management, detail-oriented, thorough and consistent
Ability to independently identify and resolve standard vivarium operational issues/challenges
Self-starter requiring no daily oversight
Open to supporting transitional operations and schedule changes
Committed to professional development and continuous learning
Thorough knowledge of animal care expectations/responsibilities
Knowledge of facility operational parameters and standards
Recognition of typical/atypical animal health and behaviors
Effective time management/prioritization for operational expectations/responsibilities
Knowledge of Federal, state and local Animal Welfare regulations and recommendations
ALAT or higher certification desirable
Strong communication skills (written and verbal required, presentation desirable)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook required, database use desirable
Able to lift 50 lbs., move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged periods and perform repetitive motion tasks
Able to perform standard animal care responsibilities.

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.

\nCompany Description

Synectics is a leading staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with top organizations. We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment, offering both contract and permanent staffing solutions. With a people-first approach, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and candidates to create long-term, successful matches. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right talent while helping professionals achieve rewarding career opportunities