Research Associate I – Lab Animal Services

Lab Animal Services comprises two specialty teams, Technical Services and Veterinary Services, that partner to support animal care and research operations. Technical Services focuses on tissue collection and compound administration. Veterinary Services includes responsibilities related to the examination, monitoring and treatment of animals. While each team has primary areas of focus and employees are generally hired, trained, and assigned within one specialty area, Research Associates share a common job framework and may support cross-team activities when appropriate to their training and experience. The essential functions listed below apply to all Lab Animal Services (LAS) Research Associates.

We are searching for a Research Associate I that will be responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-throughput laboratory and animal care environment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing and reporting process deviations, recognizing and reporting noncompliance with animal use protocols, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. The Research Associate I is expected to comply with regulatory requirements, adhere to SOPs and to work efficiently in a team environment. Excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail and the willingness to work in a deadline-driven atmosphere are mandatory. The Research Associate I is expected to work with little to no supervision on procedural tasks involving handling of mice.

Essential Functions

• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
• Unwell animal triage
• Pre- and post-operative care for mice
• Follow SOPs, Work Instructions, Technical Guidance, IACUC protocols, and regulatory requirements
• Perform SOP and non-SOP procedures under limited supervision and/or guidance
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting using established methods
• Work with Supervisor to adhere to appropriate management and prioritization of tasks and time, including daily and weekly scheduling
• Communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders, both in writing and verbally, regarding assigned tasks and responsibilities
• Perform daily vivarium maintenance, and any shift specific operational procedures after training
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field

Preferred Education And Experience

• 2+ years of related work experience and/or training
• AALAS certification is a plus
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Knowledge of mouse genetics, anatomy, and behavior
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate level ability with Microsoft Office, Office 365 and SharePoint
• Ability to learn other custom software systems (LIMS, LabTracks)
• Experience with creating and maintaining Power Apps and Power Automate

Work Environment

• Exposure and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances
• Some assignments may involve exposure to Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) organisms, such as recombinant viruses, and require the use of additional personal protective equipment, including tight-fitting respiratory protection
• Open office seating

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Pre- and post-operative care for mice
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform health assessments of mice
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
• Perform daily vivarium maintenance and/or closing procedures

Physical Demands

• Perform assigned duties while wearing required personal protective equipment, which may include scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, hearing protection, face masks, eye protection, and, for certain assignments, tight-fitting respiratory protection
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment
• Push/pull up to 50lbs
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders
• Repetitive motion work in lab
• Fine motor skills for precise tissue dissection, animal restraint, and compound administration

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N. Seattle, WA 98109
• Weekend and holiday work is required after completion of training
• Participation in a rotating on-call schedule is required after completion of training
• Employees will be assigned an 8-hour shift beginning anytime between 5:30am and 9:30am including weekends and holidays as needed to meet operational requirements
• Assigned shift may change when needed to meet operational requirements
• This is a critical job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditions

Travel

Occasional travel to local conferences

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.
• Employees assigned to duties requiring tight-fitting respiratory protection must successfully complete applicable medical clearance and respirator fit testing. When performing these duties, employees must maintain facial hair in a manner that does not interfere with the respirator fit, face seal, or valve function.