Research Assistant / Technician 2 - BCCHR Animal Care Facility

Job Summary

This position is responsible for directly supporting the animal-based research community within the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute by providing high level animal care in working closely with the Clinical Veterinarians, facility staff, and labs. The Animal Care Technician will provide facility support within the BCCHR Animal Care Facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily maintenance and care of small laboratory animals, ensure the cleanliness of the facility, and the maintenance of adequate supplies of food and bedding materials. The successful incumbent ensures the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support by pursuing and improving methods of animal husbandry and resource utilization.

The Animal Care Technician will work together with other technicians and veterinarians in a time-sensitive, regulated environment governed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC). This position requires strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures that prevent accidental introduction of disease or confounding research variables. This position will require the candidate to maintain required courses, certifications, and testing.

The work environment is technically complex with the use of animal anesthesia machines, diagnostic laboratory equipment, specialized surgical equipment, and digital environmental monitoring tools. Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous materials or may be in areas where such materials are used. Work will require the use of personal protective equipment.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Director of Facilities and ACF Manager, and may take direction from facility supervisors. Works closely with other ACTs, Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) and Clinical Veterinarians. Liaises with researchers and their teams.

Work Performed

Provide consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and established research protocols.

Responsible for providing basic husbandry, handling, restraint, and health, behaviour and welfare surveillance of small laboratory animal species, along with continuous awareness of current species-specific welfare issues in accordance with Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines. This includes inventories and record keeping for each animal; maintaining breeding colonies of various animals which include breeding, feeding, weaning, and keeping records of activities; performing rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; preparing health reports; isolates infected or ill animals and reports to veterinarian; general housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.

May perform minor technical procedures, including ear notching, sample collection, injections, euthanasia, necropsy, topical treatments, blood, tissue and organ collection as necessary under the direction of the Facility Manager, Supervisors or Veterinarian.

Receives and packs live animal shipments.

Packages, labels, processes biological, biochemical, and hazardous materials out of the facility.

Demonstrate and explain T2 duties and tasks to new hires.

Assists ACF research staff and users with animal care procedures and techniques.

Recommends revisions to existing policies and procedures to the ACF Supervisors.

Performs duties in the cage wash area.

Be responsible for the maintenance, cleanliness and organization of cages, equipment, surgical and storage facilities. Be responsible for the maintenance storeroom supplies. Performs routine cleaning of animal lodging facilities.

May perform other tasks as required.

Consequence of Error / Judgement

The incumbent must be willing to pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place; however, there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and provide input into the direction of a project. ACTs are expected to exercise some initiative and judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems would be referred to supervisor. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and / or disruption or ruination of a research study. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may impact the success of the facility, leading to increased expenses, time loss, and reputational damage.

Supervision Received

Works under direction of the Director of Facilities / Facility Manager and / or Supervisors. Receives instructions during orientation, on subsequent new assignments, on changes in procedures, and on unusual problems or matters which are not covered under established SOP s and policies. Carries out familiar duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Supervision Given

May distribute work assignments to other employees and initiate new employees into routines, procedures, and operation of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field or graduation from a technical college or institute.

B.Sc. degree in an animal related field and / or AHT diploma an asset.

CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) preferred.

Experience in working with small animals in a research capacity.

Experience working in a CL2 environment.

Working with industry and / or research teams an asset.

Must demonstrate a sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science and working knowledge of veterinary technology, biomedical research, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and intensive / critical care.

Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.

Ability to perform the physical demands of the job including : working in humid environments with varying temperatures; continuous exposure to animal dander, odors, excreta, dust, and noise, including potentially lethal pathogens.

Able to lift up to 25 kgs several times throughout the day and work in an environment that requires continuous walking, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting and turning.

Ability to operate job-related equipment.

Ability to effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MOSAIC, Workday).

Ability to read and comprehend technical material.

Be willing to maintain and upgrade training.

Ability to train others.

Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions, and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines.

Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.

Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences.

Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.

Ability to resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment.

Ability to work weekends, evenings, and statutory holidays.