Job Description

Responsibilities

The Assistant Head of LARS position is responsible for assisting the Head of LARS with the oversight of management of the Laboratory Animal Research Service (LARS) vivarium at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute. This position is responsible for daily vivarium room rounds; regular communication with scientists, Veterinarians and Head of LARS regarding daily care; administering treatments prescribed by clinical veterinarians and/or Head of LARS; monitoring; documentation of all health assessments; treatments and follow-up care; responsibilities for alternating holiday and weekends; participation in training initiatives; active participation in quarterly sentinel health screening, Various minor responsibilities may also be assigned, including vivarium room round assignments and department needs. The Assistant Head of LARS serves as a key individual who handles researcher compliance training on all appropriate policies, procedures and techniques and administers assessments to measure effectiveness of training efforts.

• Ensure daily activities required for Animal Facility operations are properly and efficiently conducted in compliance with all local, state, federal regulations and accrediting agency guidelines (e.g., AAALAC, OLAW, USDA, etc.).
• Lead and administer all training activities within LARS, ensuring employees and researchers receive effective, consistent, and compliant training that supports positive user experience and operational excellence.
• Schedule and coordinate department training, including emergency preparedness training which will provide essential tools to develop proficiencies.
• Trains new LARS/Research members and provides working supervision to junior staff.
• Maintains records of training provided that will include at a minimum: a list of attendees at each session, the name and credentials of the person conducting the session, a copy of the documents/an outline of the training provided or reviewed during the session, and the results of any assessments provided.
• Provide for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe and sanitary manner.
• Observe animals for clinical signs of disease and behavioral changes and report observations to the Head of LARS.
• Provide and perform coverage for the LARS staff.
• Observe and report any aberrations in animal room environments (room temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, vermin, etc.).
• Schedule room break down, sanitize service rooms, equipment and hallways sanitize animal room.
• Provide routine treatment for common disease problems and monitor health status as instructed by the Head of LARS or Veterinarian.
• Assist in the operation/maintenance of animals, breeding and procedure records.
• Administer special diets and water according to specified protocols/directions.
• Receive, transport and distribute incoming and exporting animals as specified by established animal receiving procedures.
• Operate and maintain the cage washer, bottle filler, autoclave and other support equipment.
• Schedule, transport animal carcasses, biological waste products and general refuse.
• Schedule and maintain drug/blood and morgue refrigerators.
• Perform collection of biological (blood, urine, fecal, rectal/nasal swabbing, etc.) for diagnostic testing.
• Maintain various containment areas: quarantine, isolation, barrier, irradiation and biohazard (BSL-3).
• Process and preforms special service requests.
• Serve as Back-up for the Head of LARS when unannounced inspector comes.
• Maintain the institutional autoclave biological, quarantine, sentinel and vermin control programs.
• Performs administrative tasks.
• Provide general technical assistance to other animal care/research staff.
• Maintains communication with and provides support for investigators.
• Recognizes deviations, unusual occurrences, and animal welfare concerns, notifying responsible individuals promptly, and reports findings to the Director of LARS and contributes to corrective actions.
• Assist with implementing changes as required and monitors effective solutions.
• Oversees, maintains inventory, and manages procurement and proper storage of husbandry supplies/consumables.
• Maintain and process the Transnety’s Tag Center.
• The Assistant Head of LARS will perform the duties listed and other related duties as assigned or needed.
• Attending training programs to become more knowledgeable of and develop expertise in laboratory animal science.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma.

Experience:

• Supervisory experience required.
• At least 5 years of experience in Barrier facility or performing duties in a related area.

Knowledge:

• Must understand the basics of animal health and disease, the procedures required to clean/sterilize caging and are familiar with the use and operation of equipment required for laboratory animal housing and care. This position assumes increasing competence through on-the-job, classroom training, and work experience.
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory frameworks, including ethical guidelines, biosafety regulations, and data protection laws.
• Knowledge of a variety of software applications (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills:

• Cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills- Able to communicate with investigators and completing the requests.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with Principal Investigators as well as other staff.

Abilities:

• Individuals must not be allergic to any species of animal, and their by-products, bedding or cleaning solutions.
• Ability to be responsive and available to management in order to address issues and concerns as they arise.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems within established policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify complex problems in a timely manner, decipher information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to the requirements listed above that has supplied the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to perform the essential functions of the job.

For applicants who will perform this position in New York City or Westchester County, the proposed annual salary is $100,000.00 p/yr. to $110,000.00 p/yr. For applicants who will perform this position outside of New York City or Westchester County, salary will reflect local market rates and be commensurate with the applicant’s skills, job-related knowledge, and experience.

Overview

Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

NYBCe is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disabled status, or genetic information.