Breeding Colony Supervisor

Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

Oversees daily operations for the Center for Comparative Medicine rodent Breeding Service. Communicates with researchers to establish breeding colony needs and optimize colony maintenance. Supervises Breeding Colony Technicians and Leads to ensure rodent colonies are maintained as specified by investigators. Develops and implements SOPs and other related documents, and ensures staff adhere to applicable regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, and IACUC protocols. Administers rodent colony management software and ensures accurate and timely maintenance of all associated records.

Please note: Must be able to lift 20 to 25 lbs. Must be able to work staggered shift schedule, overtime, weekends and holidays as required. Must be able to read, write and comprehend English in order to read signage and to read and update animal records. Work space may be small, non-private, and close to other work stations where noise level can be high. This Position requires the individual to be available to work on either the Chicago or Evanston campuses as coverage needs dictate.

Specific Responsibilities:

Oversees the daily operations of the CCM Breeding Service

• Ensures CCM-managed colonies are maintained according to investigator specifications.
• Oversees intercampus animal transfers and submission of genotyping samples to investigators or Transnetyx.
• Ensures adequate supplies and functional equipment; coordinates restocking and/or maintenance or communicates needs to management.
• Provides coverage for technician staff as needed.

Supervises Breeding Service staff

• Verifies that the technicians perform daily mouse colony maintenance tasks and complete associated documentation accurately, on time, and in compliance with applicable SOPs and policies.
• Schedules staff for daily room coverage needs & technical service assignments; ensures adequate coverage for all shifts, weekends, & holidays.
• Interviews and recommends new hires.
• Develops & implements OJT and technical skills training programs for breeding technicians and ensures training documentation is complete and up to date.
• Manages annual performance evaluation process, ensuring that all breeding colony technicians receive reviews and that documentation regarding performance is properly maintained in a timely manner.

Communicates with investigators regarding colony management needs

• Meets with researchers to ensure colony needs are established during onboarding and ensures necessary paperwork is completed.
• Communicates with investigators and meets as required to understand research requirements, breeding schemes, and colony specific phenotypes. Becomes familiar with relevant IACUC Animal Study Protocols and assists researchers with amendments when necessary.
• Monitors breeding colony census and efficiency and communicates status and recommendations with researchers.

Assists Veterinarian with managing the Breeding Service program

• Writes, develops, and implements SOPs relevant to the Breeding Service.
• Submits billing statements or enters charges in AOPS for recharge to investigators in a timely manner.
• Administers rodent colony database software.
• Sets up new laboratories, personnel, and colonies in the software.
• Ensures that accurate colony records are maintained by the technicians.
• Facilitates training of researchers and other personnel on the use of the software.
• Works with vendor(s) to resolve issues and implement updates.
• Communicates program needs with management.

Provides support for CCM Veterinary and Rodent Technical Services

• May assist veterinary staff with treatment and/or assessment of rodent health conditions.
• May assist with performing and coordinating staffing for rodent technical services.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• AALAS LATG certification and 5 years of experience as an animal care or research technician working with rodents in a laboratory animal facility; or AALAS LATG with 4 years' experience with AA/AS/BS or 5 years working in a laboratory and managing a breeding colony with a BS degree (no AALAS certification required).
• Rodent colony management experience.
• 1 year supervisory experience

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Experience working with large mouse colonies (>100 cages).
• Customer service focus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to type and have working knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, database and e-mail software
• Working knowledge of genetics and experience with mutant mouse colonies

Preferred Qualifications:

• AS or BA/BS degree in animal science, biology, veterinary science, zoology, or related field

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience with mouse colony database software.
• Experience performing technical skills such as injections, oral gavage, topical treatments, etc.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $75,000-$86,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

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