Senior Laboratory Technician

Senior Laboratory Technician Caltech Job Category: Fulltime Regular Exempt Overtime Eligible: Overtime Eligible Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions.
We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do.
Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary The Senior Laboratory Technician is responsible for project management in the Office of Laboratory Resources (OLAR).
Under minimal supervision, the position is responsible for coordination of the following projects or programs: Quality Assurance (QA) Developing training tools and documents Animal procurement Breeding colony management This is an Essential Reporting position.
An employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible.
Essential Job Duties Coordinate the quality assurance testing for several programs in the animal facilities: ATP testing for cleaning efficacy Water quality Anesthesia machine maintenance Biosafety cabinet certification Quarterly safety inspections Assist in researching and developing new training techniques and programs to monitor and track employee training.
Participate in training and continuing education activities as required by federal guidelines and accreditation standards.
Perform facility inspections, review husbandry logs, ensuring maintenance logs are kept up to date, placing work orders for facility repairs, miscellaneous supply orders and environmental monitoring.
Specialized projects including, but not limited to, creating logs to document husbandry tasks, troubleshooting/evaluating new caging supplies/equipment, vivarium support software evaluation and data entry, and other projects as assigned.
Responsible for ordering and providing oversight of receipt of animals.
Understand biocontainment and barrier procedures including strict traffic patterns within and between each containment area and train others in this area.
Assist in preparation and shipping of animals as directed.
Maintain all records and documents.
Report any discrepancies and health concerns to supervisor.
Review and revision of standard operating procedures for all functions within the animal facility.
Responsible for creation of new SOPs as necessary.
Perform routine animal husbandry duties including cleaning, feeding and watering of laboratory animal species.
Follow established policies, procedures, safety and infection control guidelines.
Under general supervision, anticipate, coordinate and perform various specialized technical procedures as assigned (e.
g.
, set up breeding pairs; check for plugs; wean, sex, and tail biopsy rodents; implement environmental enrichment program; collect biological samples; administer injections; receive and house new animal shipments).
Communicate observations to research personnel and OLAR staff in a timely manner.
Observe animals in assigned work areas and report any sick, injured or distressed animals to the veterinary staff in a timely manner.
Perform veterinary treatment as directed by the veterinary staff.
Perform euthanasia as requested following AVMA and IACUC approved guidelines.
Maintain accurate and complete records including, but not limited to: animal health reports, medical, breeding colony, and inventory records, husbandry and environmental enrichment logs, etc.
Clean and maintain animal housing and support areas.
Assist in stocking of supplies in animal housing rooms.
Perform routine maintenance of equipment within assigned work area (e.
g.
, ventilated racks, HEPA filtered workstations, and related equipment).
Report malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner.
Practice a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
Handle biologic and chemical hazards.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
Basic Qualifications AALAS certification at the LAT level.
2 years of laboratory animal experience.
Must be able to successfully pass the required pre-employment medical clearance.
Upon hire, must be willing and able to participate in an Occupational Health program that requires vaccinations (e.
g.
, MMR) along with routine TB testing and other testing and vaccinations, as required by and at the discretion of the Institute.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License and be able to maintain it throughout the course of employment.
Administrative Skills: Excellent oral/written communication and organization skills along with demonstrated proficiency with a PC and tablet computer is essential.
Demonstrate effective organizational skills and the ability to maintain legible logs and records.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated good judgment, initiative, tact, consideration and emotional maturity.
Must be able to meet deadlines and sanitation standards for this position and perform duties in accordance with department policies/procedures.
Equipment Skills: Autoclave Bottle filler Flexible film isolators Rack Washer/Tunnel Washer HEPA filtered workstation HEPA filtered rodent housing system Gas Anesthesia Machine Physical Demands: Must be able to lift/carrying lab supplies, equipment and/or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Standing: remaining on one's feet in an upright position.
Walking: moving about on foot.
Lifting: raising or lowering an object from one level to another.
Carrying: transporting an object, usually by hand, arm or shoulder.
Pushing: exerting force upon an object so that the object is moved away.
Pulling: exerting force upon an object so that it is moving to the person.
Climbing: ascending or descending objects usually with hands/feet.
Balancing: maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling over.
Stooping: bending the body by bending the spine at the waist.
Kneeling: bending legs to come to rest on one or both knees.
Crouching: bending body downward and forward by bending legs.
Reaching: extending the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Handling: seizing, holding, grasping, or otherwise working with hand(s).
Fingering: picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers Feeling: perceiving attributes of objects by means of skin receptors.
Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words.
Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by the ear.
Eye/hand/foot coordination: performing work through using two or more.
Vision Requirements: Near Acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.
Accommodation: ability to adjust vision to bring objects into focus.
Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify different colors.
Environmental Conditions: Atmospheric conditions that affect skin or respiratory system.
Likely exposure to animal dander, diseases, odors and bites.
Likely exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents/chemicals.
Preferred Qualifications AA or higher in related subject.
AALAS certification at the LATG level, or RVT certification.
5 years or more of related experience.
Experience with online training modules and animal facility management software.
Required Documents Resume Cover Letter (optional) To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.
caltech.
edu/work/job_openings We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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