Animal Care Technician I & II (Husbandry)

Biomere-west is a preclinical CRO located in Richmond, CA. We are focused on providing a personalized and customer-focused approach to preclinical services, early stage drug discovery and development services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

We strive to foster an environment which supports the recognition and growth of our employees. We are proud of the talented teams they create and the collective efforts made to continually improve the level of personal service we provide to our clients.

If you are inspired to join a team who is interested in your ideas, expertise and growth, Biomere is a great place to truly make a difference.

GENERAL SUMMARY :

Technician I and II work under the direct supervision of the Site Head along with the general guidance of the senior staff.

Technician I and II perform animal care and maintenance procedures according to company policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and study protocols.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Responsible for performing animal care procedures including, but not limited to;
• acclimation, handling, and restraint;
• cage-side observations;
• providing feed, water, and enrichment;
• cage / enclosure cleaning and sanitation;
• may assist in the preparation and distribution of routine medication, specialized diets, etc.
• Assists with the set-up, receipt, and unpack of animal shipments and supplies according to SOPs and study protocols.
• Operates and maintains equipment (e.g. autoclave, cage washer, rack washer, changing stations, Class II BSC, etc.) according to SOP.
• Responsible for cage wash / rack wash procedures including preparing, sanitizing, and distributing cages, enclosures, and supplies in support of incoming animals and daily husbandry procedures for research studies and internal / client colonies.
• Responsible for the effective sanitation of assigned areas and equipment according to SOPs.
• Maintains appropriate documentation including, but not limited to; animal identification, cage-side observations, equipment operation, and maintenance, and environmental parameters (e.g. temperature, humidity).
• Observes, records, and reports atypical findings to veterinary staff and senior personnel.
• Performs tasks or procedures according to company policies, guidelines, and SOPs.
• Complies with all regulatory guidelines, occupational health as well as health and safety programs, in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Technician II additional duties :

May assist in performing aspects of a study cycle for a grant, internal, and / or contract research studies including, but not limited to :

• verifies drugs / agents prior to use and under supervision may calculate dose administrations;
• may assist with dosing, blood collection, and / or data collection with supervision;
• may assist in euthanasia and basic necropsy and tissue collection.
• May assist the Genetically Modified Animal Program with the following procedures; births, matings, and weanings according to SOP.
• Performs tasks or procedures according to company policies, guidelines, and SOPs.
• Complies with all regulatory guidelines, occupational health as well as health and safety programs, in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education Work Experience

• High School Diploma or AS Degree in Science (or equivalent degree) preferred.
• Certifications preferred : ALAT, LAT, LATG

FOR THE TECHNICIAN I - An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

FOR THE TECHNICIAN II : 2 years of laboratory animal science experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Physical dexterity to lift 50 - 100 lb in weight.
• Manual dexterity to operate facility equipment.
• Visual acuity to handle potentially hazardous chemicals, cleaners, biologics (including, but not limited to direct handling of human byproducts and viruses) and / or sharps.
• Has the ability to withstand ambient temperatures which may exceed 90 F.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS :

• Biological safety level (BSL) 1 and 2 laboratory and vivarium settings.
• SCHEDULE :
• Standard workday : variable, but typically 7a-4p daily. Overtime may be required per business needs.

Job Type : Full-time

Salary Range :

Tech I : $26.00-30.00 / HR

Tech II : $28.00-32.00 / HR