Laboratory Animal Assistant

About Meridian

Meridian Bioscience is a fully integrated life science company that develops, manufactures, marketsand distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic products. We are dedicated to developing and delivering better solutions that give answers with speed, accuracy and simplicity that are redefining the possibilities of life from discovery to diagnosis. We are looking for talented and passionate individuals that help drive our vision. Our innovative culture will allow interested candidates to discover and create, through collaboration, cutting edge solutions to tough problems.

Job Summary

The Laboratory Animal Assistant is an entry level position for candidates seeking an opportunity within animal laboratory science or the biotech industry. The position is responsible for performing assigned animal husbandry, colony management, ascites manufacturing and laboratory support activities according to company policies, SOPs, and quality regulations. The position will provide support for the manufacturing of our antibody products within a regulated environment.

Key Duties

 Adhere to company business etiquette policies and procedures maintaining professional communication and relationships with colleagues and leadership.  Independently complete daily assigned tasks following appropriate manufacturing documents, SOPs, and regulations.  Independently perform animal husbandry tasks which include: o Remove used bedding, food, and water and stage dirty cages for cage washer. o Load cages into cage washer, perform wash cycle, and organize clean cages in designated area. Perform hand washing procedure as necessary. o Provide fresh bedding and food to animals. o Clean water bottles, fill water bottles, and provide water to animals. o Monitor animals for their well-being and healthy behaviour. Alert management of unusual behaviour.

o Position typically performs these tasks 30-50% of work schedule.  Perform, with supervision, colony management tasks which include:o Identify and sort animals based on age, species, gender, and health. o Count and document number of animals per cage. o Document all age, species, and gender information on cage specific data sheets. o Position typically performs these tasks 30-50% of work schedule.  Perform, with supervision, ascites production tasks which include:o Priming and injecting animalso Collecting ascites through tappingo Position typically performs these tasks 10-30% of work schedule.  Perform assigned tasks within performance and quality parameters for entry level position.  Perform assigned laboratory maintenance and lab management including organizing and stocking area, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, cleaning manufacturing area, and filling out appropriate paperwork.  Maintain accurate data sheets, records, and logs in compliance with company SOPs and quality system requirements performing daily review of completed work to correct any errors.  Complete all measurements and calculations per company policies ensuring accuracy and verification of data.  Independently complete all assigned training and read/respond to all daily company correspondences as required.  Adhere to company confidentiality and safety requirements.  Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

 High school diploma or equivalent required. No experience necessary. Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) preferred.  Previous experience working within an animal facility or within an ascites manufacturing facility welcomed.

 Primary work requirements include working in an animal laboratory where ability to handle and restrain animals regularly throughout the day is required.  Must be able to concentrate and focus within an animal facility manufacturing floor setting.  Must be able to routinely lift up to 35-50 lbs. during the course of the work shift.  Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (face coverings, gloves, lab coats, etc.) during work shift.  Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time, stoop, reach, push and pull carts throughout the course of the work shift.  May be required to work outside of normal business hours including evenings and/or weekends to support business needs.  Must be able to adhere to applicable bio-safety and chemical hygiene practices when on the manufacturing floor or in laboratories.

 Ability to use computers for email, training, assigned meetings, and assigned work.  Ability to read, understand, and follow all company production procedures, SOPs and guidelines.  Must be self-starter, detailed oriented, organized and be able work within a manufacturing setting.  Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oralDocuSign Envelope ID: FB788C24-A8E4-42E5-93A4-C9E474305BDERev. March 2023communication skills.  Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality requirements.  Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.  Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.  Ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend English.