Technical Associate

Role Summary

This position is responsible for providing support in a research environment at the Kalamazoo and/or Richland site(s). Technician must properly use and maintain all necessary equipment and follow proper techniques as determined by departmental SOP and Institutional Policies.

The Sanitation and Facility Support Technician plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, efficient research environment. This position is responsible for disinfecting and sanitizing housing and related equipment within a research facility. Adherence to strict biosecurity and safety protocols is required to uphold research integrity and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Transport of supplies: samples etc. between buildings/delivery docks, Labs in Richland and Building 300 as needed.
• Transportation of animals as needed.
• Coordinates facility maintenance and ensures 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 appropriate corrective action or report to Mangers to take corrective action.
• Operate a variety of equipment, including, but not limited to, powered lift trucks, farm vehicles, and powered animal handling equipment as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvements and share knowledge and expertise with others in work group.
• Weekend work may be required based upon work schedule needs.
• Responsibilities should be performed with good time management and limit time spent engaging with others when moving around buildings to avoid being a distraction as they complete their daily scheduled tasks.
• Setting up and disassembling penning for various species.
• Sanitation/disinfection of various rooms and associated accessories.
• Various environmental monitoring tasks e.g. water sample testing.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Flexibility, enthusiasm and adaptability within the work environment, and a track record of successfully working in a fast-paced setting involving multiple projects and tasks.
• Demonstrated math and reading comprehension required.

Desirable attributes

• Previous experience in an in vivo research setting
• Previous experience working with infectious disease models in a biocontainment and or biopharma facility.
• Basic computer skills including navigating the internet and communicating via email.

Physical Position Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 Ibs routinely.
• Weekend and holiday work expected and performed on rotation as needed.
• Ability to withstand frequent twisting and bending throughout the day.
• Must be able and willing to start work as early as appropriate for current schedule needs.
• Role requires the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a very high level of personal hygiene to be maintained while at work.