Technical Specialist

Role Summary

The animal research Technical Specialist supports poultry-focused clinical and preclinical studies in biocontainment and non-biocontainment environments, primarily at the Kalamazoo, MI site with crossover work at the Richland, MI farm site. Responsibilities include performing all phases of animal studies, maintaining equipment and facilities, and ensuring adherence to SOPs and institutional policies.

Responsibilities

• Perform all phases of clinical and pre-clinical animal studies associated with the discovery and/or development of animal health products.
• Set up and perform 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.
• Cary out duties according to protocol and applicable SOPs; assist with all aspects of study execution including 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.
• Utilize 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 assist managers and researchers and support the clinical veterinarians with all aspects of veterinary care.
• Help 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 the 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.