The Department of Comparative Medicine provides housing, professional and technical services for laboratory animal care, veterinary medical care, animal research project support, and genetically engineered model development and preservation for the OHSU research community. and research animals housed throughout the OHSU Central and Waterfront campus.

 

The Laboratory Animal Husbandry Technician 1 provides for the basic care and husbandry needs of a large variety of laboratory research animals including but not limited to fish, amphibians, birds and a wide range of rodent and non-rodent mammalian species. Works as a member of a highly interdependent team using a professional approach in providing direct animal care. The technician is most often the first line of defense in spotting animal health and environmental problems. This is the first level of a three level series. It is distinguished from the Laboratory Animal Technician 2 & 3 by requiring close supervision, intensified training and a lower level of independent decision making skills.

• Transports supplies and equipment needed to support the health and wellbeing of laboratory animals. Changes cages and accessory equipment as needed as well as on a predetermined schedule.  Feed, water species including but not limited to fish, amphibians, birds and a wide range of rodent and non-rodent mammalian species as required by the departmental, USDA and NIH standards. Exercises USDA maintained species as required by regulation or as directed by departmental veterinary staff. 

• Observes animals for health and wellbeing. Reports physical or behavioral abnormalities promptly in writing. Records observations in the clinical record. Administers medications and treatments to animals as instructed by the veterinary staff. Monitors the environment in animal areas for changes or potential hazards to animals and experimental protocol.  Reports any changes to supervisor.

• Maintains and sanitizes animal rooms and support areas. Includes sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, washing and disinfecting floors, walls ceilings, sinks and other equipment. Handle feed and bedding appropriately.  Rotates oldest material to be used first.  Maintains clean supply of feed and bedding in animal room containers and label appropriately.

• Maintains records as required by DCM standard operating procedure and federal regulation or guidelines. Keeps accurate census records for billing purposes. 

• Prepares for arrival of new animals. Uncrates and houses animals according to standard operating procedures. Inspects shipment to ensure the specifications of the order have been met. Reports any problems with the shipment or the condition of the animals to the Supervisor.  Identifies the animals and initiates records. Observes animals closely post-arrival to assure adjustment to the new environment.

• Performs humane euthanasia as instructed according to standard operating procedure and the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia.

• Handles and cares for animals in specialized colonies. This may include specific pathogen free, transgenic, or barrier-reared animals. Follows standard operating protocols, follows a clean-to-dirty work flow, minimizes cross contamination of potential pathogens and complies with special procedures.

• Handles and cares for animals that have been experimentally exposed to chemicals, pathogens or radioactive materials.  Must follow detailed safety instructions for personal protection as well as for the protection of other animals and people in the area.

• Other work-related duties as assigned by manager. 

• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Skill in making careful visual observations.
• Skill in communicating verbally and in writing. Skill in performing basic arithmetical calculations.
• Skill in handling, restraint, identification and sexing common varieties of laboratory animals.
• Skill in keeping accurate records. 
• Skill in driving motor vehicles.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C driver’s license.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent

• Any direct experience working with animals.

Work is located within a functioning vivarium. May be required to handle animals that have the potential to bite, scratch or harbor zoonotic diseases. Occupational exposure to allergens, chemicals, biological pathogens and radioactive material. Exposure to animals, animal tissue, fluids and animals treated with biohazards.
Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays when necessary. This position would require travel between and Central and Waterfront Campuses potentially involving travel via the Tram.

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.