Summary

The responsibilities of Facility Support Specialist include, but are not limited to the following: direct supervision and training of the Facility Support Technicians (I and II) assigned to the area, assuring that the facility maintains quality control standards, including microbiological monitoring and that all performance goals established for the areas are met daily; assures that clean caging, nonhuman primate chairs and supplies are provided on a daily basis to each animal holding floor to maintain established cage changing schedules; receives all incoming animal shipments and CAF supplies, establishes inventory controls on all supplies and maintains an accurate and complete inventory on all facility supplies on a weekly basis; provides routine ordering of facility supplies; assures all preventive maintenance on cage wash equipment is completed as scheduled.

Requirements

• Must have prior experience in supervisory and/or training roles in a laboratory animal facility.
• Literate in written and spoken English.
• Real ID Driver's License
• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Good interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to cooperate with co-workers and function productively with others in accomplishing assigned tasks.
• A working knowledge in quality assurance, inventory control, supply and receiving, cage wash equipment, caging systems, types of bedding, sanitation procedures, autoclaving procedures and material handling is also required.
• Ability to follow through on instructions.

Duties:

Work Assignments are based on work requirements to meet the contract needs, which may include the following duties:

• Adhere to established Bldg 49 SOPs
• Supervise and train the staff assigned to their floor
• Assist the Project Management in coordinating husbandry and cage changing requirements between floors within their area
• Plan and control of staff resources on the floor or area to assure coverage of all tasks, perform quality assurance inspections
• Schedule, perform, and document activities necessary to accomplish task/work assignments.
• Establish liaison/communications with all sections to facilitate responsiveness.
• Adhere to security procedures and confidentiality requirements.
• Distribute, store and inventory of all CAF facility supplies, feed and bedding.
• Ensure areas and equipment are clean/sanitize
• Monitor the performance of all subordinate personnel, praising quality performance, or providing counseling or additional training/supervision for individuals with deficient performance, to maintain a high level of quality service.
• Assure accurate inventory reports and adequate inventories are maintained of routinely used items.
• Identify and report potential problem areas with personnel, equipment, or facilities.
• Support/comply with the QA/QC and Training programs
• Maintain a current knowledge of existing and proposed laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting the care and use of animals.
• Communicate in English (both oral and written form) and demonstrate use of good leadership, team building and management skills
• Assist Sr. FSS Team Leader in meeting contractual obligations and confer with Task Project Officer as needed.
• Ensure delivery of supplies and newly arrived animals throughout the facility and report receipt of all CAF supplies making notations of any discrepancies.
• Ensure collection of dry waste, MPW boxes and glassware boxes from the “B” utility corridor
• Ensure cleaning, sanitation and/or sterilization of all cages, racks, caging accessories, equipment, nonhuman primate test chairs and boxes, and cage wash area.
• Collection of samples for microbiological monitoring of cages, racks, caging accessories, feed, bedding, autoclave and cage wash area.
• Ensure dumping and proper disposal of animal waste
• Operation of tunnel washers, rack washers, autoclaves, bottle fillers, waste disposal system, central proportioner and other sanitation equipment
• Routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance on cage wash and Tunnel wash machines, autoclaves, waste disposal system, water bottle fillers, rack flushing stations and central proportioners, flatbeds, hand trucks, and carts
• Ensure preparation of complete “clean” rodent cage setups with water (sterile, RO, etc.) and autoclaved feed and bedding, and large animal cages and pans with clean bedding, absorbents or filters
• Sterilization of caging, MPW waste, feed, bedding, and water
• Transporting dirty cages/racks from the floors and providing clean cages/racks to the floors
• Documentation of cage wash water temperature and pH, central proportioner, sanitation procedures and autoclave cycles
• Perform routine water monitoring and perform routine minor maintenance and repair of equipment, i.e. carts, rodent racks, including periodic lubrication of casters.
• Perform minor preventative maintenance on rack/tunnel washers, autoclaves, and water
• Other duties as assigned
• Ensure staff is present at their assigned area on time.
• Inspect all rooms and common areas for damage equipment and abnormal environmental parameters.
• Ensure all personnel in your area are wearing proper PPE.
• Ensure special husbandry request for food and/or water are carried out as directed.
• Ensure caging is processed in accordance with establish Bldg 49 SOPs.

Hours:

 Basic workweek of forty (40) hours per week with the start and the end of the workday dependent on the contract requirements of the workplace.  Hours dictated by the institutional research schedule, weekend and holiday work maybe required. Must be reliable in attendance to ensure animals receive appropriate level of care. Potential for call-in to assist facility or animal health related emergencies.

Physical Requirements:

Lifting/Moving Requirements:

Light work; lifting to 50 pounds occasionally; repetitive lifting/manipulation of up to 10 pounds, applying up to 10 pounds constantly to move/roll objects.

Environmental Conditions:

Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities.  Cage wash areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise. 

ANIMAL RESEARCH POULTRY TECHNICIAN (Richland, MI) Priority One Services, a contractor of the largest global animal health company, is seeking a candidate with a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, plus two years animal related experience or education combined specifically with poultry. Candidate will be working in a laboratory research environment providing husbandry and technical support with poultry and eggs.

Candidate will work with poultry/avian, must have a high school diploma or equivalent, college degree in Animal Science preferred but not required, and at least two years experience in Biological Research working on in a laboratory animal facility with poultry and should not own birds as pets. Candidate should have experience working in ABSL1-2 facilities, collecting raw data, clinical observations, administering body weights, animal restraint, record keeping, dosing, and processing data utilizing “Good Laboratory Practices”. Candidate should have experience with biological processing (bloods and other fluids), interface with different departments on a daily basis, histology experience, blood collection and previous research experience is a plus. Candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up of heavy caging. Must be able to lift 40 lbs to 60 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods. Be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary, and maintain good customer relations. Demonstrated math and reading comprehension and good oral and written communication skills are required, good organizational skills Self starter (motivated) Independent worker. Demonstrated computer skills preferred. This is a full-time position from the hours of Monday – Friday, some weekend and holiday hours maybe required. Qualified applicant will be expected to complete and pass an employee background check, regulated drug screen and physical prior to being hired. Job ID: ART-MI

*Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required for all Priority One positions.

Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED and must have at least two years experience working with animals in a laboratory animal facility.  A diploma in a related science field or equivalent is desired. AALAS certification is preferred and laboratory animal experience is required. Salary will be commensurate with experience and AALAS certification level. Preferred skills include experience with:  animal care and husbandry, cagewash procedures, minor technical procedures, multiple species a plus, and recording keeping. “Applicant may be required  to travel to different facilities in Maryland basically; Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and Laurel" Applicant must be reliable, able to work independently, and interact professionally with the research staff. Applicant must be flexible and learn quickly; be able to stand for prolong periods, bend, reach, and climb. Demonstrated math and reading comprehension and good English oral and written communication skills are required.

Position Title: Department Coordinator

Department: Research Resources – LAR Business Office

Reports To: Business Manager

Position Summary: The Office of Research Resources is seeking a departmental coordinator to support our mission, customers, and staff. The Department Coordinator in the Research Resources Department is responsible for supporting various administrative and financial functions. This role involves coordinating invoicing, resolving billing discrepancies, managing census data, analyzing data, and maintaining financial records. The coordinator will also oversee communications with vendors, manage preventative maintenance contracts, handle purchase order requisitions, and approve larger invoices. The position will directly report to the Business Manager and work on various tasks assigned by the management team.

Key Responsibilities:

Department Support: The coordinator will manage census data, ensuring its accuracy and completeness. This includes verifying and managing data, as well as reporting on financials, revenue, and expenses. They will also maintain up-to-date PI protocol information and serve as the a point of contact for vendors, managing communications and maintaining positive relationships. Additionally, the coordinator will oversee preventative maintenance contracts to ensure timely and efficient service.

Financial Administration: The coordinator will handle the invoicing process, resolve billing discrepancies, and ensure timely payment of invoices. They will maintain accurate financial records, including procurement, orders, and billing details, and analyze financial data to support budgeting and financial planning as well as monthly invoicing. The role also involves handling purchase order requisitions and approving larger invoices in accordance with departmental policies.

Other Administrative Duties: The coordinator will ensure compliance with university policies and industry standards for data retention and financial management. They will prepare and present regular reports on financial status, procurement activities, and other relevant metrics. Additionally, the coordinator will provide training and support to staff on financial procedures and the use of the EMS system, and assist with the coordination of departmental projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Performance Standards: Follow up all tasks from beginning to completion. Use Outlook, TEAMS, and other organizational tools to organize tasks and emails. Purchase order, invoice payment coordination, reimbursements, receiving, and purchasing card procedures are completed accurately and in a timely manner.  Assigned responsibilities are performed in accordance with established deadlines and university policies. Provide status updates to supervisors, investigators, and staff. Prioritize financial tasks according to deadlines from the business manager. Exhibits a willingness to assume additional responsibilities and increase knowledge, skills, and abilities; seek guidance from supervisor prior to beginning a new assignment if needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within an academic or research setting.
• Must have a high level of proficiency with technology and the Microsoft Office suite applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Also, ability to learn new software applications as needed.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Ability to complete detailed assignments by assigned deadlines and to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (oral and written).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Requires initiative, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential data and the ability to prioritize.
• Willingness to assume additional responsibilities and other duties as assigned.
• Ability to follow up with tasks from beginning to completion.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, ability to open packages and materials, and move furniture for set-up of events and meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with EMS systems and knowledge of animal research protocols.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Intermediate to advanced Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience in an academic or research environment.
• Familiarity with university policies and compliance requirements.