Animal Care Technologist - Comparative Medicine Services - Tufts University

Comparative Medicine Services (CMS) provides facilities, services, and information to facilitate effective research using laboratory animals at Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center (TMC) in Boston, Tufts University in Medford, and industry and academic research laboratories. CMS is also obligated to ensure that animal care procedures and animal experimentation comply with federal, state, and local regulations. The management and operation of the animal care activities of all sites are integral to the animal care and use program.  All centralized facilities are located within a 2-block radius, either in Boston or Medford.

The Rodent Breeding Services is one of the sections within Preclinical Services, which provides an array of in vivo services to support preclinical and biomedical research to the University, TMC, industry, and academic research laboratories.

The Animal Care Technologist in the Rodent Breeding Service (RBS) is responsible for maintaining rodent colonies for investigative staff and assisting investigative staff with challenges with breeding their rodent colonies. Weekly reports are also generated and sent to the investigative staff to communicate the status of their colonies. It is also expected that the technologist will be trained to perform health rounds and technical services on large and small animals on campus in order to assist the Preclinical Services staff with their duties as needed. The animals are evaluated daily in our large animal housing facility and weekly in our rodent colonies at our Boston Campus and per assigned on the Medford campus. The technologist will follow the procedures and guidelines approved by these institutions. Additional responsibilities will include client interaction and consultation and providing collaboration/training to/with internal and external investigators, research staff, and other research technologists and technicians. The technologist will actively participate in interdepartmental training and continuing education seminars. 

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through completion of an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Sciences and 3-5 years Veterinary Technician or laboratory animal medicine experience.
• AALAS certifications recommended and technician will be required to achieve Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certification within 3 years of employment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve to support successful rodent breeding and animal study execution. 
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge in the regulations governing animals used in biomedical research. 
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and use of email.
• Capable of functioning independently with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with others. 
• Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate would have a Bachelor's Degree in a related field, and/or Certified Veterinary Technician and 1-3 years of experience in related field with some level of AALAS certification.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Comfortable using the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with investigative staff, and communicate animal health issues, compliance issues, training, facility issues, etc. in a professional collegial manner with members of the investigative and Tufts CMS staff.
• This individual would work effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrate good work habits.
• show flexibility and initiative.