Technical Specialist

Role Summary

The animal research Technical Specialist is a critical role in the day-to-day animal facility operations and portfolio execution. This position supports Poultry in a biocontainment and non-biocontainment research environment primarily at the Zoetis Kalamazoo, MI site with some crossover work at the Richland, MI farm site. Primary species of responsibility is poultry but may also include cross-support with other species. Must properly use and maintain all necessary equipment and follow proper techniques as determined by departmental SOPs and Institutional Policies. This role performs all phases of clinical and preclinical studies, associated with the discovery and/or development of animal health products.

Weekend and holiday work expected and performed on rotation.

May not own birds or poultry; other outside contact with birds or poultry is limited.

Responsibilities

• Perform all phases of clinical and pre-clinical animal studies associated with the discovery and/or development of animal health products.
• Sets up and performs a variety of animal activities, including husbandry, sample collection, processing analysis, data handling, record keeping, and laboratory and instrument maintenance in accordance with applicable Animal Welfare and GXP policies.
• Carries out duties according to protocol and applicable SOPs. Assist with all aspects of study execution including but not limited to: in-vivo study protocol review; animal procurement; biological sample collection and data collection in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead and manage study execution.
• Clean and disinfect animal housing units and rooms.
• Utilizes knowledge of how functional areas are used and maintained in the completion of research protocols.
• Responsible for all steps of room maintenance related to studies, with priority on cleaning and disinfecting.
• Communicate with and assists managers and researchers and supports the clinical veterinarians with all aspects of veterinary care.
• Helps onboard new employees and serve as a mentor.
• Provide training in standard animal procedures which may include handling, dosing, biological sampling, end of study, necropsy, and biosecurity.
• Identify and implement process improvements and share knowledge and expertise with others in work group.

Qualifications

• High school diploma + 4 years related experience or post-high school education combined.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in related field or +4 years related experience or post-high school education combined.
• Great attitude and willingness to learn!
• Previous work in commercial poultry or an animal research setting
• Previous experience in an in vivo research setting.
• Proven track record of working well in a team setting and being a great teammate.
• A track record of successfully working in a fast-paced setting involving multiple projects and tasks
• Demonstrated math and reading comprehension required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Role requires the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a very high level of personal hygiene to be maintained while at work.
• Role requires the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a very high level of personal hygiene to be maintained while at work.