Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Vivarium Supervisor, the Vivarium Technician II is responsible for basic animal husbandry and maintenance of the Vivarium in compliance with USDA, NIH, AAALAC and other applicable laws and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Animal cage preparation, changing, disposing of soiled bedding and washing cages.
2. Provide food, water and enrichment supplies to animals on a scheduled basis.
3. Observe animal health status and record abnormal findings on notification forms.  Notify Supervisor and Research staff of abnormal findings.  Files necessary reports, and follows up on health status and/or treatments.
4. Performs daily inventory of animals.
5. Other duties include proper animal handling and restraint.
6. Euthanize animals in accordance with AVMA guidelines and prepare carcasses for disposal.
7. Maintain inventory of supplies in animal rooms and entire facility.
8. Sweep, mop and disinfect floors in animal rooms and support areas.
9. Facility sanitation responsibilities include disinfecting walls, ceilings and other surfaces on a routine basis.
10. Perform all VT I duties in the event of staff shortages at that level.
11. Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Leveling Requirements 

High school diploma or equivalent required.  1 to 2 years of experience with laboratory animals and AALAS certification at ALAT or higher level desired.  Must be willing to work with animals in a research environment, and to provide humane care and treatment of these research animals.

1. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.  Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds easily.
2. Must be able to use a step stool/ladder to reach objects overhead.
3. Must have manual dexterity in both hands.
4. Must be able to bend down and /or stoop repeatedly throughout the workday.
5. Must be able to push and pull carts that could weigh 300lbs.
6. Must be able to open doors and pull loaded supply carts through.
7. Must be able to understand and follow verbal instructions spoken in English.
8. Must be able to read and interpret (understand) documents such as safety rules, standard procedures, operating instructions for cage washing equipment and autoclaves, etc., which are written in English.
9. Must be able to maintain written records in English as required by SOP and regulations.
10. Must be able to work prolonged periods wearing personnel protective equipment such as masks, gloves, lab coat or scrubs and other apparel as required.
11. Must not be allergic to animals or their bedding.
12. Must be able to stand for prolonged periods.  This job has very limited work while sitting.
13.  Must be able to see and identify differences in cage and accessory types.
14. Must be able to observe visually the cleanliness of cages and accessories.
15. Must be able to visually identify abnormal posture and behavior of research animals.
16. Must be able to work weekends and holidays on a rotational basis.
17. Must be able to exercise diplomacy and flexibility in interactions with multinational scientific staff.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants, please submit the following in a single attachment:

1.     A brief cover letter relating how your talents fulfill the criteria for this position

2.     Your resume/CV

3.     A minimum of two references (three preferred)

La Jolla Institute is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We validate this commitment by conducting regular market analyses to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, independent research sector. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, unique skill sets, organizational need, and internal equity.