Job Summary

We are seeking a Research Associate II to join our Insourcing Solutions team, located in Providence, PA.

The Research Associate II conducts in vivo study work in rodents for the customer to support research their program. Collaborates with the veterinary staff to ensure that the health and welfare of laboratory animals are maintained in compliance with local, state, federal and institutional guidelines, and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Able to perform and obtain proficiency in the following techniques, at minimum:
  • Formulation and dosing calculations
  • Dosing and inoculation using all common techniques, e.g., oral gavage, intravenous (retro-orbital & tail vein), subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intratumoral, etc.
  • Tissue and blood collections using all common methods, e.g., tail vein, retro-orbital, submandibular, cardiac puncture, etc.
  • Some specialized techniques and surgeries, e.g. implantations
  • In-life monitoring of the study animals for body weights, clinical observations, tumor measurements, etc. Tumor measurements, body weights, IVIS, IBD and /or EAE scoring, behavioral monitoring, etc.
  • Mammalian cell culture
• Comply with all SOPs, BOPs and Quality Assurance standards pertaining to laboratory animals for research. 
• Monitor animal health and welfare while performing technical procedures.
• Perform study preparation activities, including collection tube labeling and room setup.
• Possess rodent surgical assistant skills in anesthesia monitoring, pre-surgical and post-surgical care.
• Documents experimental data as requested by customer in technical notebooks or approved electronic files.
• Assist in providing technical procedure training to less experienced staff and researchers, and provide re-training as needed.
• Operate and maintains lab equipment with minimal guidance (e.g. Isoflurane machine, IVIS, Irradiator, and others).
• Disposal of biological, hazardous and animal facility waste following established procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date lab records/ documentation while assuring quality and data integrity.
• Perform humane euthanasia in accordance with the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the AVMA Guide on Euthanasia, and under the direction of the attending veterinarian, or designee. 
• Report non-compliance or animal welfare concerns to the appropriate Animal Welfare Team member or IACUC office. 
• Collaborate with other personnel within and across teams and departments to facilitate completion of assignments.
• Assist in maintaining clean work areas and lab supply inventory.
• Attend and participates in on-the-job and classroom training sessions; completes all assigned computer-based safety and professional development training.
• Maintain required attendance level and adherence to work schedule to ensure that assigned duties are completed.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisor/leadership and assist in reporting procedural deficiencies and issues.
• Assist Vet Techs and Veterinarians with follow-up checks, treatments and procedure if needed.
• Perform other duties as directed by management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• To qualify for this role, candidates must have one of the following combinations of educations/experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field plus a minimum of 1 year experience working in a laboratory animal facility performing directly related services, including in vivo research.
  • Associate’s degree in animal science or related field plus a minimum of 1-2 years’ experience working in a laboratory animal facility performing directly related services, including in vivo research.
  • High School Diploma and at least 4 years’ experience working in a laboratory animal facility performing directly related services, including in vivo research.

In addition:

• Must possess knowledge and general understanding of animal welfare regulations (including the guide and PHS Policy), and of the importance of ethical use of animals in research.
• Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workloads and prioritize job duties with guidance.
• Proficiency of common in-vivo technical skills and working with mice and rat species; ability to identify sick animals and summarize findings.
• Familiar with a variety of animal models in pharmacokinetics, toxicology, oncology, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, and immune disorders.
• Experience with IVIS imaging, workflow and data analysis.
• Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions, exhibit interpersonal skills that are conducive to effective communication and contribute to a congenial work environment.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a professional manner.
• Ability to demonstrate strong teamwork orientation, strong organizations skills, attention to detail and superior customer-service focus.
• Must demonstrate accountability and ethics in the performance of daily responsibilities.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and database systems.

The pay range for this position is $30-$36 USD per hour. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.