Animal Care Researcher 1 - Preclinical Research Center

About the Job:
The Preclinical Research Center is seeking an engaged employee committed to performing high-quality animal clinical care in a fast-paced research laboratory setting. This position will be a part of a team caring for the animals making it possible to advance groundbreaking research in transplantation, diabetes, obesity, and regenerative medicine to the clinic. When animal models are required for our biomedical research, a parallel research program at this center is focused on improving welfare of animals used and enhancing the translational value of animal models. As such, the employee must have interest in cooperative handling, enrichment, and animal husbandry (behavioral management) with rodents, pigs, and nonhuman primates. The translational and high regulatory research completed at PCRC requires attention to detail and the ability to follow precise written protocols. The employee will be primarily responsible for making detailed clinical observations, following instructions, with the opportunity to use high level technical skills including advanced behavioral training for cooperative care, sample collection, oral and injectable medication administration, anesthesia induction, multi-focal monitoring, detailed record keeping, and oral and written communication. The employee must be able to handle animals and specimens while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. When not occupied with routine tasks, the employee is expected to participate in other lab tasks as assigned to advance the team's work. Specific duties include:

Behavioral management and routine clinical care - 80%
* Under the direction of senior staff, performs daily observation/assessment of animals.
* Prepares supplies and paperwork for planned medical procedures (anesthesia, exam, surgeries, blood collection, administration of medications/treatments)
* Must be able to assist with animal handling for cooperation with care
* Under the direction of senior staff, perform a variety of routine medical procedures (obtain samples, administer medications) according to protocol
* Facilitate open and professional communication related to animals under their care and teamwork among a diverse team (technicians, students, DVMs, scientists) to support positive outcomes and excellent animal care
* Performs record-keeping tasks related to medical procedures, including recording of: animal observations, procedures completed, supplies used, senior staff communications, census information, etc. Maintain meticulous records and collect data accurately in accordance with GLP guidelines
* Must adhere to safety and infection control policies and procedures and be willing to clean and deep clean areas.
* Responsible for sensitive and confidential material
* Conducts research in accordance with GLP regulations
* Assist with surgical induction and recovery of large and small animal models
* Assist with complex laboratory/surgical procedures when adequately trained, including but not limited to, high risk infusions, medical device management, imaging, and surgery
* Assist with training and educational programs and tours
* Must have the ability to work in a clinical care setting
* Establish and maintain a working knowledge of the principles behind daily work.
* Participate in lab meetings/rounds

Lab Support - 20%
* Develops skills that are cross functional and uses time efficiently including helping other areas of the lab.
* Maintains a clean environment and ensures that areas are adequately ordered, stocked and that equipment is in working order.
* Clean lab, instruments, and equipment
* Assemble instrument and packs as needed
* Other duties as assigned by supervisor or Director
* Assist with development of protocol for process improvement projects.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Requirements:
* Bachelor's degree in a social or natural science or combination of 4 years of related education and experience in the animal sciences, biological sciences, analytical sciences, or related health sciences.
* Experience working with small and large animals
* Must be willing to work a flexible work week; core lab hours are 7am to 3:30pm
* Must be able to lift 50lbs by oneself, must be able to sit and stand for long periods
* Must rotate on an schedule for evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred:
* Problem solving skills, strong interpersonal skills, and working as a team member in a lab setting
* Experience with conducting research according to scientific protocols and medical terminology
* Experience with animal models for medical research
* Basic skill in clinical observation and treatment
* Basic small and large animal handling and behavior
* Experience with conducting research according to GLP regulations

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit:

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).