Animal Technician Senior

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Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

  • Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
  • Retirement Savings Opportunities

Responsibilities*

  • Provide for the daily care and handling of laboratory animals
  • Identify clinical and behavioral signs of illness in animals and report accordingly
  • Understand and follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality Assurance Standards
  • Schedule location could vary daily within and across multiple buildings
  • Ability to function independently and also positively in a team setting
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers
  • Provide mentoring and training support to new animal technicians
  • Assist animal care supervisor with administrative team functions
  • Ability to handle complex details required to perform specific tasks
  • Perform tasks in rooms that require additional training and high skill level of animal care and facility knowledge such as hazard containment, immune compromised housing, and advanced breeding techniques
  • Participate in advanced training to ensure comprehension of animal care SOPs for all species
  • Package and organize tissue samples for shipment to internal or external laboratories
  • Assist Veterinary Technician staff in routine animal treatments and reports
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers
  • This position requires considerable use of arms and legs and activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and the handling of materials which at times weigh as much as 50 pounds
  • Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 1,000 pounds
  • Must be able to work at a level of 8" above the floor and up to 6' to 7' above the floor
  • Must be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time
  • Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal by-products, and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time
  • Final candidates will be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform certain aspects of the job
  • Candidates will be asked to provide proof of degrees, licenses, certifications 
  • Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against, and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents
  • Position is considered critical staff under University Reduced Operations’ definition
  • Annual influenza vaccination or proof of exemption may be required
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

  • High School diploma and at least 2 years of paid animal experience (with 1 year in a laboratory animal setting), or an equivalent combination of certification, education or experience providing animal care
  • Certification of American Association for Laboratory Animal Science - Certified Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
  • Certification of American Association for Laboratory Animal Science - Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) within 6 months of being eligible

Desired Qualifications*

  • Advanced knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care and laboratory activities
  • Advanced knowledge of animal research and breeding procedures and practices  
  • Some knowledge of the principles of medical asepsis
  • Experience working with rodents or providing daily care to laboratory animals is highly desirable 
  • Skills that demonstrate the ability to communicate in a professional, positive, and helpful manner with coworkers, management and research community
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree

Work Schedule

Full time/40 hrs weekly/Day shift/Some weekends and Holidays

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.