Summary

Research Support Specialist II (PET scan) for the National Institute of Mental Health under the direction of the Veterinary Medicine and Resources Branch (VMRB) and Institute Veterinarians. The Research Specialist II must demonstrate a working knowledge of veterinary science and technology (e.g., first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical support, treatment, nursing care, examination, Pet Scan, as well as have experience with a wide variety of laboratory animal species. The candidate should have experience with anesthesia and surgical support, anesthesia monitoring, constant rate infusion and/or total intravenous anesthesia, surgical (sterile prep and surgical scrub) preparation and surgical assistance. The ideal candidate will have experience in behavioral studies and handling of nonhuman primates, rodents, and technical experience in using computers and computer software to conduct research studies.

Requirements

Candidate shall be certified at the AALAS ALAT level. Will be required to obtain a LATG certification within 1 year of eligibility.

Must have a minimum of three years’ experience in laboratory animal facilities.  Applicant shall have experience working with rodents and non-human primates.  Candidate should have experience with animal husbandry/caretaking procedures, accurate data sample collection, accurate and timely record keeping, and data processing.  Must be able to lift 40lbs to 60lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods.  Must be responsible and reliable to work independently when necessary and maintain good customer and team relationships.  Must be available to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Duties

Primary responsibilities: Implements and improves environmental enrichment plan for all VRMB nonhuman primates.

• Documents compliance with environmental enrichment Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Prepares, distributes, and maintains all enrichment items for NIMH animals housed at Building 49.
• Assists with animal socializations (i.e. pairs or groups), and completes related documentation.
• Assists with colony data (paper and electronic) as per USDA requirements and NIH policies.
• Performs behavioral observations/assessments, both of individual animals and groups, when          necessary and/or requested.
• Provides behavioral treatments to animals exhibiting certain behaviors.
• Provides conditioning training to animals when necessary and/or requested.
• Assists with developing, reviewing and revising environmental enrichment SOPs and forms.
• Assists with developing and evaluating new enrichment items or methods for implementation at VRMB.
• Assists Research Technicians in animal activities to include first aid response, pharmacy and pharmacology, physiology, physical examination, and treatment under the direction of a veterinarian with various animal species.  Candidate will take all technical direction from the NIMH investigative staff.

• Other duties as assigned.

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. Potential to provide weekend coverage if there is short staffing and unable to find replacements.  

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:

Customarily performs animal care, research management and administration duties in an environmentally controlled work area.  However, technical and management duties may be performed in an animal care vivarium, barrier facility, surgical or test procedure laboratory, animal housing/bedding cleaning and processing areas. Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in these facilities.  Laboratory environment and/or animal care work areas may be prone to hot and humid conditions, and subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.