Senior Research Animal Specialist
Mass General Brigham
Summary
Responsible for the care and well-being of laboratory animals used in scientific studies and experiments, including overseeing daily care of animals, ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations, providing technical support to researchers, and mentoring junior staff.
Job description
Job Summary
Responsible for the care and well-being of laboratory animals used in scientific studies and experiments, including overseeing daily care of animals, ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations, providing technical support to researchers, and mentoring junior staff.
Essential Functions
- Provide daily care for laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, and maintaining clean and sanitary housing conditions.
- Collaborate with researchers to implement animal research protocols.
- Adhere to all relevant animal welfare regulations, institutional policies, and ethical guidelines for the use of laboratory animals in research.
- Develop and implement enrichment programs to enhance the mental and physical well-being of research animals.
- Maintain animal care facilities and equipment in a clean and operational condition.
- Train and mentor junior animal care technicians in proper animal handling, husbandry techniques, and research protocols.
- Implement health monitoring programs to identify and manage potential health concerns within animal populations.
Vivarium Specialist Duties
- Coordinates and carries out multiple aspects of animal colony maintenance including breeding consultation with laboratory staff, setting up breeding pairs, pup checks, weans, identification, genotyping, filling breeding requests, detailed record keeping, and monthly mouse colony counts.
- Assists Vivarium management with ensuring adherence to all institutional, local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure proper animal care, health, and welfare.
- May help perform vivarium maintenance tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis such as autoclaving, supply inventories, ordering, organization, shipping and receiving, working with vendors, and undertaking special projects as required.
- Liaise with, contribute, support, and provide data and information to the Veterinarian, Vivarium Managers and research staff.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent required
- Animal Care Experience 3-5 years required
- Understanding of animal husbandry practices and experience caring for a variety of laboratory animal species (e.g., mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs)
- Familiarity with research protocols and experimental procedures involving laboratory animals
- Knowledge of animal welfare regulations, such as the Animal Welfare Act, and guidelines set by organizations
- Leadership and mentoring skills to guide and support junior animal care staff
- Effective communication skills to collaborate with researchers, veterinary staff, and other team members
- Physical ability to lift and move heavy equipment, cages, and animals when necessary
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits
- Career advancement opportunities
- Differentials
- Premiums
- Bonuses
- Recognition programs
Company overview
Mass General Brigham is one of the largest integrated healthcare delivery systems in the United States, formed through the merger of Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, this academic medical center system operates multiple hospitals, specialty facilities, and community health centers throughout New England. The organization is renowned for its world-class patient care, cutting-edge medical research, and comprehensive medical education programs. As a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Mass General Brigham trains the next generation of healthcare professionals while advancing medical science through groundbreaking research initiatives. The system provides a full continuum of healthcare services, from primary care and preventive medicine to complex specialty treatments and emergency services. With a focus on innovation and patient-centered care, Mass General Brigham consistently ranks among the top hospital systems in the nation for clinical excellence and research output.