Technical Associate

Role Summary

This position provides support in a research environment at Kalamazoo and/or Richland sites, ensuring proper use and maintenance of equipment and adherence to SOPs and institutional policies. The Sanitation and Facility Support Technician maintains a clean, safe, and efficient research environment by disinfecting and sanitizing housing and related equipment, following strict biosecurity and safety protocols to uphold research integrity and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Transport of supplies and samples between buildings/delivery docks, labs in Richland and Building 300 as needed.
• Transportation of animals as needed.
• Coordinate facility maintenance and ensure buildings/rooms are suitable for animal receipt, including routine calibration and maintenance of study support equipment (including computers decontamination).
• Inspect storage rooms and Vivarium spaces for expired products (drugs, supplies), correct signage, tidiness, proper stocking of supplies and take corrective action or report to managers.
• Operate equipment such as powered lift trucks, farm vehicles, and powered animal handling equipment as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvements and share knowledge with others in the workgroup.
• Weekend work may be required based on schedule needs.
• Manage time effectively and minimize distractions while completing daily tasks.
• Set up and disassemble penning for various species.
• Sanitation/disinfection of rooms and associated accessories.
• Perform environmental monitoring tasks (e.g., water sample testing).

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Flexibility, enthusiasm, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects
• Demonstrated math and reading comprehension

Desirable attributes

• Previous experience in an in vivo research setting
• Experience working with infectious disease models in biocontainment or biopharma facilities
• Basic computer skills (internet navigation, email)

Physical Position Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs routinely
• Weekend and holiday work on rotation as needed
• Ability to withstand frequent twisting and bending
• Ability to start work as early as needed for schedule
• Use of PPE and high level of personal hygiene required