Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.

Laboratory Animal Technician II

LAT II employees are responsible for managing the transgenic mouse breeding colonies for multiple research investigators. Job functions involve processing a high level of mouse breeding colony procedure requests received from our scientists. Transgenic mouse colony maintenance includes mating mice, setting up timed matings, weaning pups, ear notch identification, collection of blood or tail tissue samples for genotyping, animal transfers, colony euthanasia and census reports. Breeder and litter pedigree data, cage disposition data and census records are maintained by the LATs in a database (LabTracks). LATs will communicate with research investigators on a regular basis, via emails or in-person meetings.

LAT positions are classified as essential; job functions involve a range of tasks and functions that are typically essential to continue critical vivarium operations.

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Perform daily cage checks, checking for adequate food, water and nesting materials.
• Perform general animal health checks: observe mice for signs of distress or illness due to phenotype expression or experimental procedures.
• Check mice for confirmation of a pregnancy or observation of a vaginal sperm plug for timed matings.
• Record new litters on cage cards and in LabTracks.
• Document findings using appropriate forms and methods and report new phenotype observations to the appropriate research investigator.
• Treat mice for routine conditions such as dermatitis, malocclusion, or abrasions caused by aggressive behavior.
• Separate aggressive animals and provide the cage with extra enrichment materials.
• Report non-routine, unexpected health concerns to the Attending Veterinarian, area Manager or Animal Health Coordinator and the appropriate research investigator.
• Use independent judgment in determining a course of action, including in cases concerning animal welfare that may include euthanasia, if individuals listed above are not available for consultation.
• Perform breeding and husbandry procedures in accordance with the AR department SOPs for working in our vivarium.
• Change immunodeficient mouse cages that require sterile caging.
• May also change cages as needed to cover for co-worker absences.
• Maintain breeding colonies of genetically altered transgenic and knockout mouse lines and perform procedures as instructed via e-mail requests or Lab Tracks work orders sent by authorized research personnel.
• Colony maintenance procedures include mating mice, setting up timed matings, weaning pups, ear notch identifications, collecting blood or tail tissue samples for genotyping, data entry in LabTracks database and euthanasia.
• Develop expertise with the LabTracks cage disposition database management system. When procedure requests are completed, enter data to update breeder and litter pedigree information.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate breeding colony records using paper forms and LabTracks.
• Remind investigators of breeding guidelines and important mating time points to ensure their active participation in colony oversight, to avoid over breeding, under breeding, or lapses in production related to breeder age or genetics.
• Update labs on the status of their breeding colony maintenance procedure requests in a timely manner, as per standard department protocols and practices
• Read animal protocols (AUFs) to become familiar with research projects. Note the PI, other investigators, and the mouse lines and crossed lines associated with each AUF.
• Note any special care requirements for colony maintenance including food manipulations, custom diets, water additives, expected phenotypes, and drug administrations. Add the appropriate colored note cards and stickers to cage card holders.
• Note the AUF start expiration date on census record for each line.
• Ensure appropriate per diem rate is applied to census records.
• Maintain animal census records and finalize the census prior to the monthly billing deadline.
• Submit the end of the month cage totals to the AR Director
• LATs are responsible for weekend/holiday shift as needed and scheduled.
• LATs may perform husbandry in viral vector animal BSL2 areas, or the animal BSL2 infectious biohazardous animal study areas.

Education and Experience :

• High School diploma and three years’ progressive lab animal experience required or equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained
• AALAS, ALAT, LAT or LATG certification or RVT license preferred

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities :

Possess demonstrated interest in the humane care, management and utilization of animals in a research setting.

Mouse breeding colony experience.

Knowledge of animal health, disease control/prevention, and technical procedures gained through education, extensive training and practical hands-on experience.

Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of common lab animal diseases, and identification of conditions which may result from research procedures.

Ability to use LabTracks Database, Excel, Word, Microsoft Teams, and Power Point.

Ability and availability to work alternative work schedules including weekend shifts and holidays on a rotating basis or as needed.

Work independently as well as in a team environment.

Be responsible and have strong time management skills.

Compensation:

The hiring rate range for LAT II is $23.00 - $25.00/hour, commensurate with experience and education.

The scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children's disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for emerging health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40-year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health.

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement, and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law. For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our HR Partners at 858 646 3100 Ext 5127 or via e-mail at accomodations@sbpdiscovery.org.