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 documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:
• 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 Qualifications:
• 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

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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