Title: Colony Manager

Reports to: Colony Manager Supervisor and Breeding Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Colony Manager  is responsible for providing comprehensive breeding colony management and support within the animal facility. This role involves performing animal husbandry duties, coordinating and providing breeding programs maintenance, maintaining accurate breeding and health records, and supporting investigators in breeding research-related activities involving rodents. The position requires strong knowledge of rodent reproductive biology, and animal handling.

EUDUCATION-Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent and certified through AALAS

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Husbandry & Colony Maintenance

• Perform all animal husbandry duties in conjunction with breeding technical support, as outlined in the facility’s statement of work.

• Responsible for the breeding, perpetuation, expansion, and backcrossing of various research animal strains.

• Able to ear punch, tattoo, and read both ear punches and tattoo’s for identification purposes.

• Conduct weaning, sexing, and general care of colony animals.

Breeding Program Management

• Select breeding pairs according to investigator directions and strain characteristics.

• Confirm matings by observing vaginal plugs and weighing to confirm gestation for timed matings and carry out timed matings to meet research protocol requirements.

• Plan and maintain weekly breeding schedules based on investigator needs.

• Monitor male and female breeding performance and adjust as needed.

• Provide gestation-specific dams and manage separation of females for parturition.

• Learn and become familiar with unique rodent phenotypes used in studies.

Recordkeeping & Data Management

• Maintain all breeding and colony records including: Male/Female Breeding Records, Weight Sheets, Colony Management Reports, Retired Male Records, Euthanasia Records, Standing Order Forms, and bar-coded cage card orders.

• Prepare and maintain pedigree charts and breeding records with detail and accuracy.

• Input breeding and colony data into computer databases as needed.

• Maintain records in accordance with SOPs, working protocols, and investigator requirements.

Investigator Interaction & Support

• Meet with investigators to assist with colony start-up and ongoing management.

• Maintain communication regarding colony status and breeding performance.

• Provide coverage and support for other breeding colonies as needed.

• Work with investigators using transgenic animals to achieve optimal breeding efficiency.

• Evaluate and recommend improvements in reproductive efficiency and recordkeeping systems.

• Identify reproductive issues and make necessary recommendations.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform euthanasia per approved protocols.

• Carry out additional duties as assigned by supervisors.