Vivarium Specialist II

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.

The Ragon Institute is seeking a skilled individual for a Vivarium Specialist II position in the newly opening building of the Ragon Institute. The Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard is a located in the heart of Technology Square in Cambridge. The vivarium is a brand new, state of the art facility. Under the supervision of the Vivarium Manager (or Supervisor), the Vivarium Specialist II provides daily husbandry care and maintenance required for the health and cleanliness of research animals and their housing facilities. In addition, the Vivarium Specialist II will maintain monitor the health of the animals and perform technical duties which may include treatments of minor medical conditions, emergency separations, and euthanasia. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of animal health and housing using electronic medical records software. You will follow all procedures to maintain housing areas. You may also be tasked with receiving, inspecting, and putting away incoming animals; and operating equipment (including cage wash) following all safety guidelines. You will work with the staff to assist with handling and health treatments of animals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides daily husbandry care to research animals according to department standard operating procedures, state and federal regulations and accrediting agency guidelines. These duties include but not limited to; providing clean sanitized caging material, fresh food and water and environmental enrichment on a scheduled and as needed basis.
• Operate equipment such as bio-safety cabinets, Animal Transfer Stations, decontamination systems, cagewash equipment (including automation), specialized ventilated racks.
• Houses newly arriving animal colonies according to department standard operating procedures.
• Monitor and record environmental parameters of assigned holding and procedure rooms for temperature and humidity.
• Performing and recording daily animal health observations, communicating adverse findings to the veterinarian technicians or senior staff to ensure animal care standards are in keeping with applicable laws and regulatory guidelines.
• Identifying basic animal care issues such as sick and dead animals, and overcrowded cages. Perform treatments for minor health conditions as assigned.
• Assembling and preparing animal cages/racks and related equipment for cage change outs, or newly arriving animals according to instructions.
• Maintaining clean, orderly and sanitized work areas on a regular basis and completing area documentation
• Maintain automatic watering equipment
• Assist in cagewash as needed, including all duties of Vivarium Specialist I

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1-3 year's experience working with animals in a lab environment
• Proficient in verbal and written English communication skills.
• Ability to communicate advanced health issues to senior staff.
• Ability to work independently or as a team.
• Must be able to follow detailed instructions
• Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications.
• Familiarity with vivarium software and colony management systems preferred.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 8 hour shift.
• ALAT Certification preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The ability to work directly with animals (including mice and rats), with no preexisting allergies to animals, hair, dander, or biproducts that would affect ability to work with these animals. Must be able to perform in this environment with exposure to these potential allergens for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 8 hour shift.
• The ability to lift 50 lbs., push or pull up to 100 lbs., and perform other physical tasks.
• Must be willing to be fit tested and wear a N95 mask (by being clean shaven for proper and necessary fit) or alternatively, if necessary, a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) as required.
• Ability to work in Biosafety levels up to BSL-3
• Ability to work with biological and chemical hazards
• May occasionally need to report to work in the event of a disaster, or weather-related event, if necessary
• This position is considered essential. May be required to work on weekends, holidays, and off hours.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.