Animal Specialist - Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI

Overview

The Animal Technician Specialist, CDI will assist with the conduct of highly specialized and technically complex experiments using small animal models of infection with various bio-safety level 2 and/or 3 pathogens and may provide technical support for the BSL-3 Labs. Studies will be carried out in Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2) and/or Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) facilities and focus on infections via aerosol, intranasal, intravenous, intradermal, and subcutaneous routes. Antiviral and antibacterial drugs and experimental compounds will be administered via oral gavage or intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injection.

 

The Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases.  The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 32 labs, 190 scientists and allied personnel supported by 60 NIH grants and more than 30 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, immunology and immunotherapy, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, and pharmacology.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Animal Technician Specialist, CDI at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assists with performing various research and technical operations relative to lab specific projects. Specifically, procedures include, but are not limited to, the administration of drugs and discovery compounds to mice via various routes, mouse infection via intranasal, intravenous or aerosol routes, and sampling of organs for drug and burden quantification, and immunopathology studies.
• Assist with preparation of BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 pathogen cultures.
• Sets-up, maintains, sterilizes, and decontaminates the devices for aerosol infection, homogenizer, and other equipment.
• Autoclave waste materials and clean biosafety cabinets and equipment.
• Understands and adheres to Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) CDI compliance standards.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal and state regulations, laws and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Lifting and handling of laboratory animals and feed/equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in work with rodent models under Biosafety level 2 containment and/or relevant equivalent work experience.
• Basic knowledge in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
• Good organization and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills..
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• CDC approved for work with select agents.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in work with animal infection models under Biosafety level 3 containment. 

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• AALAS certification (American Association for Lab Animal Scientists).

 

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!    

Starting Minimum Rate

Starting at $21.40 Hourly

Job Posting Disclosure

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to: Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness. Experience: Years of relevant work experience. Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training. Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies. Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location. Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization. Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered. Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts. In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.