The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, a pond, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

The Laboratory Animal Technician 1 is the first level of a three-level series. At this level, this position is focused on providing husbandry, healthcare and research support for laboratory animals maintained at the ONPRC. This position will learn and master the ability to perform the manual and technical tasks directly related to the care of, and research support for the use of, laboratory animals. This includes safely performing basic animal husbandry and animal handling, healthcare procedures, including but not limited to feeding and sanitizing procedures, animal capture and restraint, administration of medications, and the collection of body fluids and tissues.

 

The area of work assignment and specific tasks will vary, depending on animal population and care requirements, service requirements, staffing needs and the individual’s knowledge. The Animal Resources & Research Support (ARRS) houses approximately 4600 non-human primates, and approximately 2500 small laboratory animals, on a daily basis. The animals are housed in 8 buildings and 17 outdoor enclosures, on the ONPRC/OHSU campus. There are approximately 60 employees who are responsible for providing care of research animals.

 

The successful candidate for this position will have basic knowledge for the care of animals, demonstrated by experience with household pets, farm, or 4-H animals. This position requires the ability read, write, and follow oral and written instructions, as well as having the ability to communicate effectively in oral and/or written formats with both technical and professional staff.

 

Some duties will require working outside in inclement weather and daily work may involve moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors between rows of cages, and climbing stairs to corral observation towers. There is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids. Some work duties may also include risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals.

 

Candidates should have the ability to carry and lift up to 50lbs; lift objects weighing approximately 42lbs to shoulder height, and be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.

 

If you are a problem solver, have the ability to multi-task, be self-directed, and pay attention to details, this is a great position to start your career path in OHSU!

• A valid Driver's License and the ability to drive ARRS/ONPRC vehicles on and off campus

• Advancement requires High School Diploma or GED
• 6 months related experience with animals, OR Certification at the Assistant laboratory animal Technician level (ALAT) OR 2 years of indirect laboratory animal experience
• Basic knowledge of the care of animals can be demonstrated through care of household pets, farm animals, or 4-H animals

Please be sure to upload a cover letter, resume and references.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Daily work may involve moving on wet and/or slick surfaces, through narrow corridors between rows of cages, and climbing stairs to corral observation towers
• Perform work in covered areas that are not environmentally controlled
• Work in areas where there is risk of exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids
• Work where there is risk of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and sanitizing chemicals
• Work in areas or in conditions that require fit testing and use of an N-95 respirator

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE:

• Able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), and lift objects weighing approximately 19 kg (42 lbs) to approximately shoulder height
• Able to push and pull heavy wheeled equipment such as cage racks and loaded carts
• Able to move unassisted through various animal housing areas located in several separate buildings, indoor and outdoor, in order to make animal observations, perform animal husbandry tasks, handle, move, or restrain animals, collect samples, administer treatments, and perform other procedures
• Possess sufficient dexterity and manual skills to safely perform (or learn to perform) basic animal husbandry and animal handling (using proper techniques), and health care procedures, including but not limited to feeding and sanitization procedures, animal capture and restraint, administration of medications, and collection of body fluids and tissues

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.