Animal Technician, Sr. jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

The Animal Care Technician performs daily husbandry care of all animals, primarily rodents, housed in the the Animal Care Facility, including maintenance and care of the facility and equipment, in compliance with all federal, state, and university regulations regarding the care and use of animals in research and teaching. The Animal Care Technician reports to the Manager of Animal Facilities.

As a condition of employment, Duquesne University requires all new employees —full-time and part-time, including adjunct faculty—to get a COVID-19 vaccine and provide proof of their vaccination upon commencement of employment.

New employees requesting a religious or documented medical exemption from the vaccine must complete and submit a Duquesne University exemption request form for review and approval. To receive the appropriate exemption request form, contact hrservices@duq.edu. Employees with approved exemptions will be required to be tested on a regular basis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs daily routine husbandry care, including animal health and welfare assessments, and provision of food, water, enrichment, and clean caging.

Administers basic veterinary medical treatments under supervision as needed.

Responsible for the daily operation of facility equipment, including a cage washer, autoclave, and bottle washer.

Sanitizes all animal housing rooms, procedure rooms, cagewash areas, and facility equipment.

Maintains accurate animal husbandry records and documentation of facility operations.

Performs all duties in accordance with facility policies and standard operating procedures.

Performs related job duties as assigned.

Weekend and holiday work is required.

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred qualifications:

Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, or other related field from an accredited institution.

One to two years’ experience working with rodents in a laboratory or research setting is preferred, but not required.

Completion of the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Certification is preferred within one year of hire.

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Ability to appropriately handle and restrain rodents.

Basic knowledge of rodent husbandry and health conditions.

Basic computer knowledge and knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong organizational skills.

Strong attention to detail and able to consistently work accurately and with quality.

Strong decision-making skills, and able to work independently.

Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment.

Ability to lift at least 50 pounds, move equipment, and bend or squat to knee-level.

Ability to stand for extended periods of time.

Commitment to the University’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with the University’s Mission. Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of the University community (students, faculty, staff and others).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus community. We particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).

We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and its Spiritan heritage by visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement. Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and furthering its mission.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer