Training Coordinator and Supervisor

Job Summary

The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Medical Animal Facilities (MAF) is a leading animal research unit with two main locations at the UBC Point Grey Campus and the Vancouver General Hospital Campus. The facilities provide specialized research environments, including skilled technicians, husbandry staff, dedicated procedure space, and advanced equipment to support a wide range of animal research studies. The facilities support UBC investigators, industry partners, and other stakeholders, and plays a crucial role in enabling preclinical research essential for translational medicine.

The Training Coordinator and Supervisor provides supervision to technicians who have day-to-day responsibility for animal care and conduct specialized services for the above listed stakeholders. This team performs animal care and ensures the proper discharge of daily tasks and technical procedures as requested by the Operations Manager, Clinical Veterinarians or Principal Investigators. This position is responsible for internal and external stakeholder support including industry and wet lab projects. They are expected to maintain and update facility Standard Operating Procedures, reviews and provide guidance on protocol submissions, as well as assists with UILO contract administration to ensures study protocols, UBC Animal Care Committee, Canadian council on Animal Care and Good Laboratory Practices are followed in compliance with regulations.

The VCHRI Medical Animal Facility operates across multiple locations, including the Jack Bell Research Centre, the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, and other supported facilities. The incumbent will be required to work at different sites based on operational need.

Organizational Status
The incumbent works alongside other animal technicians and reports to the on-site Operations Manager. Provide day-to-day oversight and training for husbandry staff and students, and provides recommendations to investigators, faculty.

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

- Co-supervises and provides functional direction to MAF husbandry and technical staff, establishing clear definitions of responsibility and workload to increase efficiency and effectiveness, providing training and evaluation, and participating in the recruitment of new staff.

- Provides functional direction to technical and surgical staff to ensure the proper operation of equipment and facilities in accordance with standard protocols and procedures.

-Facilitates and maintains relationships with internal and external partners under the direction of the Operations Manager.

- May lead industry and other stakeholder projects as designated by the Operations Managers.

- Coordinates oversight on all education, orientation and training provided in all aspects of daily operations of animal barriers for both MAF staff and researchers as well as instruction and training in the use of specialized techniques and equipment (user orientation and staff onboarding).

- Responds to operational enquiries and emergency calls, including weekends. Identifies problems and makes recommendations to the Operations Managers.
- Ensures all facility equipment meets quality and safety standards and is maintained and certified in accordance with the manufacture’s recommendations.
- Supports academic projects and participates in complex research protocols and labs.

- Performs administrative duties such as maintaining logs of facility-generated data, writing and updating facility Standard Operating Procedures, policies, and guidelines.
- Provides instruction and training in the use of specialized equipment and techniques.

-Evaluates and maintains an extensive inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for surgical procedures for all species, including anesthesia monitoring and surgical equipment.
- Performs regular inspections on all the facility equipment and maintains an up-to-date inventory list of all equipment.
- Advises on facility technical equipment activities such as equipment maintenance, repairs, acceptance testing and certification. Regularly collaborates with suppliers, as required.
- Assists with IUBC contract administration and coordinate the billing process of these contracts and assist with other finance tasks.
- Responsible for the implementation and processes for clean and dirty quarantine to ensure biocontainment and biosecurity is maintained.
-Performs minor surgeries and technical techniques, including: tissue collection and organs extraction, necropsy, blood collection, surgical implantations, injections, topical treatments, ear notching, and fecal/oral/pelt swab collection for sentinel purposes.
- Perform duties relating to technical research services which will include various research and special projects as directed by the Operations Manager/veterinary staff.
- Acts as a liaison to investigators, users, employees, UBC departments, vendors and other industry professionals to respond to, oversee and monitor any tasks or inquiries.
- Oversees packaging, labelling, processing of biological, and biochemical, and hazardous materials out of the facility.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements related to care of laboratory animals, including adherence to approved protocols and animal care practices and procedures to prevent occupational infections or release of organisms into the environment, under the direction of the Operations Manager. In collaboration with veterinary professionals, ensures that all activities relating directly or indirectly to animal use and care are in accordance with acceptable veterinary standards and the standard articulated in the Guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
- Responsibility for inspection, observation, and treatment of unusual or unexpected conditions that arise, requiring immediate action and notification to the Operations Manager and/or Investigators, Clinical Veterinarian as well as responsibility for repetitive activities that occur daily.

- Stays current in new research techniques and developments through continuing education, maintains Registered Veterinary Technology status, RLAT certification, as well as national and regional CALAS membership.
- Attends safety meetings and participates safety programs.
- Ensures adherence to protocols, standard operating procedures, policies, guidelines, and safety regulations.

- Evenings, weekends and Statutory holidays work will be required.

- Performs duties relating to technical research services which will include various research activities and special projects as directed by the Operations Manager or Clinical Veterinarian.
- Performs other related duties.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The incumbent will be depended upon to ensure the smooth, efficient, and effective daily operation of assigned areas. Judgement must be exercised to alleviate pain or suffering by the animals. Provision of the necessary elements to make the animal’s environment as enriched and comfortable as possible. The facility manager oversees work; incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/or disruption or ruination of a research study.

Supervision Received
The incumbent works with little supervision in direct consultation with the on-site Operations Manager and in conjunction with other animal technicians.

Supervision Given
Provides day-to-day oversight and trains technicians and students, and provides recommendations to investigators, and faculty.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- 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

Registered Veterinary Technology or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or related discipline, and five 5 years of experience in a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) registration is required.

Extensive knowledge, skills and experience in handling and coordinating specialized surgical, experimental and other technical projects;

A sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science;

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and statutory holidays;

Ability to explain, assign and monitor work;

Ability to facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcomes;

Ability to train others;

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

Ability to accurately create and maintain records;

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

Ability to read and comprehend and analyze technical material;

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

Ability to anticipate problems and issues and plan ahead;

Ability to determine the nature and urgency of inquiries and issues, and triage appropriately;

Have initiative and the ability to master new techniques;

Willing to maintain and upgrade training;

Ability to coordinate and oversee work processes to achieve appropriate outcomes;

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

Ability to work effectively independently in a team environment;

Ability to exercise tact and discretion;

Ability to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner, both verbally and in writing;

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 develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships;

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

Ability to perform the physical demands of the job (work with high temperature equipment, exposure to animal dander and urinary proteins, perform repetitive tasks, lift 20kg, good manual dexterity and eyesight);

Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., Rack and tunnel washers, dump station, autoclaves, bulk sterilizers, RO water system, floor cleaning machines, industrial clothes washers and dryers, bottle filling system, and high pressure spray units, anesthetic machines, oxygen manifold/generators, other equipment as required.);

Ability to effectively use software at an advanced level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, Mosaic Vivarium, other software as required).