Vivarium Specialist II

Job Description - Vivarium Specialist II (3291582)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 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 depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation.The Ragon Institute is seeking a skilled individual for a Vivarium Specialist II position in the newly opening building of the Ragon Institute. 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 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, including providing clean sanitized caging material, fresh food and water, and environmental enrichment.Operates equipment such as bio-safety cabinets, Animal Transfer Stations, decontamination systems, and cagewash equipment.Houses newly arriving animal colonies according to department standard operating procedures.Monitors and records environmental parameters of assigned holding and procedure rooms for temperature and humidity.Performs and records daily animal health observations, communicating adverse findings to the veterinarian technicians or senior staff.Identifies basic animal care issues such as sick and dead animals, and overcrowded cages, and performs treatments for minor health conditions as assigned.Assembles and prepares animal cages/racks and related equipment for cage change outs or newly arriving animals.Maintains clean, orderly, and sanitized work areas on a regular basis.Maintains automatic watering equipment.Assists in cagewash as needed, including all duties of Vivarium Specialist I.QUALIFICATIONS:High School Diploma or GED.1-3 years of 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 and ability to navigate 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:Ability to work directly with animals (including mice and rats) with no preexisting allergies.Must be able 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 or a PAPR 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.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.

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