Animal Care Facility Coordinator Postuler en ligne!

Reporting to the AVP Research and Graduate Studies, with oversight from the University Consulting Veterinarian, the Animal Care Facility Coordinator ensures the efficient, safe, orderly and compliant operation of NOSM University’s animal care facility (ACF).

On a day-to-day basis, this position is primarily responsible for ensuring the ACF meets all applicable standards of ethical animal care and use, serving in both operational and compliance functions in close collaboration with the NOSM University Animal Care Committee (ACC) and Consulting Veterinarian, while also optimizing services to ACF users.  The Coordinator provides veterinary technical services, performs and oversees the animal user training program, and ensures conformity of all users with institutional and external regulatory requirements.

The Animal Care Program, and the ACF, are new activities for NOSM University, and the incumbent will assist with the planning and development of the ethical care and use program and opening of the ACF, in addition to the day-to-day operations noted above.

This position is covered by the Terms and Conditions of the OPSEU Unit 677 Collective Agreement (Unit 2). A copy is available on the NOSM University website.

Responsabilités

• Actively participates and interacts with all ACF users, fostering a positive working relationship with research personnel (faculty, staff, students), ACF service providers, vendors, etc.
• Coordinates the schedule and usage of the ACF for research personnel, ensuring adequate technical coverage to support ongoing projects.
• Ensures that the ACF and equipment are maintained in good working order by monitoring the state of equipment, performing or arranging for preventive maintenance and/or repairs as necessary.
• Coordinates and participates in husbandry and animal care, as well as experimental support and technical services as dictated by operational requirements; these may include but are not limited to: Performing daily health/wellness checks and documentation, cage changes, treatment administration, facility housekeeping, surgery, anesthesia, sample collection, colony management, etc.
• Monitors vivarium and laboratory environment (temperature, relative humidity, air exchange, lighting, water quality and housing suitability) and responds promptly to issues identified.
• Evaluates health and welfare concerns, implementing treatments per standard operating procedures and/or veterinary consultation, ensuring animals receive timely access to care.
• Supports University leadership and the ACF users with planning and implementing new or replacement equipment and facility upgrades to support the animal facility infrastructure, research projects, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinates the purchase and installation of equipment and orders and maintains an up-to-date inventory of animal use supplies.
• Assists with the development and updating of the ACF’s annual budget, and ensures expenditures are within the ACF’s operating budget.
• Completes monthly billing and reporting to ACF users.
• Assists with the development and revision of policies and standard operating procedures related to animal care and use as well as facility operations and usage.
• Ensures biosafety practices are adhered to, and coordinates the storage, usage and disposal of biohazards and other animal use waste.
• Ensures biosecurity practices and procedures are implemented and adhered to to maintain healthy animal populations in support of high-quality research and appropriate standards of veterinary care
• Monitors all ACF activities, users, and infrastructure for regulatory compliance with applicable institutional and external regulations and reports any discrepancies to the Consulting Veterinarian, the ACC, and/or senior administration, as appropriate.
• Coordinates the institutional animal user training program in collaboration with the ACC; provides hands-on practical training for all personnel, including training as it relates to the use of the ACF. Ensures, with support of the ACC, users comply with required training and manages ACF access upon completion of required training.
• Is an active member of the Animal Care Committee and the University Occupational Health and Safety Committee, as well as other committees where required (eg. Biosafety committee).
• Participates in planning and preparation for certification activities, including CCAC certification assessments or unannounced inspections under the Ontario Animals for Research Act, and preparation of written reports or updates arising from them.
• Shares 24/7 emergency oncall support.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Éducation

• Graduate from a CVMA or AVMA-CVTEA recognized Veterinary Technology program, or equivalent combination of education and work experience in an animal related field is required.
• An undergraduate or graduate degree in a related discipline (biology or other related health/life sciences discipline) from a recognized university with Canadian accreditation is an asset.

CERTIFICATIONS/DESIGNATIONS

•  Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) certification through the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) or comparable certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is required.
• Registered Master Laboratory Animal Technician (RMLAT) certification though CALAS or comparable certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is an asset.
• Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is an asset.

Connaissances, Compétences et Capacités

• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in an animal research environment, including at least three (3) years of experience with responsibility for facility operations. Must be experienced in care and use of laboratory rodents in conventional, barrier, and CL-2 settings.
• Proficient animal care and technical skills working with laboratory rodents
• Knowledge of national (CCAC) and provincial (OMAFA) level regulatory agencies and standards governing the care and use of animals in science
• Familiarity with Canadian academic research ecosystem and understanding of fundamental principles of animal-based research
• Knowledge and skills required to maintain a vivarium
• Experience working with computer systems and software
• Experience in interpreting, explaining and applying policies and procedures
• Experience in coordinating various tasks under tight deadlines
• Demonstrable strong problem solving, judgement, and decision-making skills
• Experience developing and working with biohazard safety protocols and procedures and specialized laboratory equipment
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision and adapt to a dynamic work environment
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and ability to build cooperative relationships and rapport with research personnel
  (Principle Investigators, research associates, students), regulatory officials, vendors, technical service providers, etc.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and problem solving skills with an ability to autonomously seek information from various sources to resolve challenges efficiently and collaboratively
• Communicate effectively using a variety of media
• Excellent time management skills

Langue

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbally, written and comprehension)
• French/Indigenous language skills would be considered asset

Working Conditions

• Extended periods of sitting, standing, lifting, bending, crouching, etc.
• Interaction with research personnel, employees, management, and contractors/vendors
• Working in a laboratory environment with frequent interruptions and potential hazards relating to animals, allergens, hazardous substances, heavy equipment, etc.
• Occasional overtime and on-call responsibilities