Finder Animal Care Technician (T3)

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Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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The successful candidate must agree to be trained to work under CL3 conditions including enrolment in medical surveillance. There are inherent risks associated with experiments performed using RG3 agents. The successful candidate will need to apply for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) security clearance. Please reference the following links for further information regarding risks and biosecurity.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-biosafety-standards-guidelines/guidance/pathogen-risk-assessment/document.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-biosafety-standards-guidelines/guidance/developing-comprehensive-biosecurity-plan-overview.html

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

This position will work within the Facility for Infectious Disease and Epidemic Research (FINDER), a containment level 3 (CL3) facility. The position is responsible for directly supporting the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia (UBC) by providing a high level of technical and biosafety skills and related project support while working closely with the Clinical Veterinarians, FINDER and Animal Care Services (ACS) teams. Research conducted at FINDER encompasses a broad range of topics from furthering our understanding of basic medical sciences, to enhancing our abilities to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease in humans and non-human animals.

The FINDER Animal Care Technician will work together with other technicians and veterinarians in a time-sensitive, regulated environment governed by the Canadian Biosafety Standard, Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC). This position requires strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures that prevent accidental introduction of disease or confounding research variables, and ensure safe work in a CL3 environment.

Work will involve the use or handling of potentially hazardous material located in areas where such materials can be used safely. Work will require the use of personal protective equipment in a CL3 environment. The work can be very repetitious and physical, including lifting up to 25 kgs. The work environment has HVAC related noise, and requires additional personal protective equipment, such as respiratory protection (PAPR), double gloves, gown and handling animals in a biosafety cabinet. Work schedule can include evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. The incumbent will be trained with much supervision at the beginning and then work independently with supervisory support available at all times.

This position offers a unique learning and working environment within the University of British Columbia and supports ground-breaking research endeavours.

The successful candidate must agree to be trained to work under CL3 conditions including enrolment in medical surveillance. There are inherent risks associated with experiments performed using RG3 agents. The successful candidate will need to apply for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) security clearance. Please reference the following links for further information regarding risks and biosecurity.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-biosafety-standards-guidelines/guidance/pathogen-risk-assessment/document.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-biosafety-standards-guidelines/guidance/developing-comprehensive-biosecurity-plan-overview.html

Organizational Status

Reports to the FINDER Research Platform Manager and works closely with the FINDER technicians, Animal Care Technicians, Registered Veterinary Technicians, and Clinical Veterinarians. Will be expected to work with minimal supervision once proficiency in the duties assigned has been established.

UBC is home to the largest animal care and use program (ACUP) in Western Canada and the second largest in Canada, and is responsible for providing research support to the animal-based research community associated with UBC and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, training, compliance team, procurement team and its facilities.

Work Performed

In vivo work includes:

• Providing consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals

• Being responsible for providing basic husbandry and welfare surveillance of laboratory animals in accordance with Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines

• Adhering to animal use protocols and following required review and approval process for any modifications that may be required

• Animal handling and restraint

• Maintaining inventories and record keeping for each animal when required

• Performing daily inspections and observations to check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals and treatment of unusual or unexpected conditions that arise in the course of protocol adherence, including those requiring immediate action and notification to the vets

• Creating medical entries in records and preparing health reports; and when required isolate infected or ill animals and report to veterinarian

• Performing husbandry duties

• Preparing surgical instruments, supplies, as well as the animal

• Performing approved technical procedures within CL3 on laboratory and other research animals without assistance or supervision to include, but not limited to: SQ and IP injections, saphenous and facial vein blood sampling, intranasal administration, trans-cardiac perfusion, lung insufflation, administration of medications or other substances by injection, orally, or topically; Anesthesia and anesthetic monitoring as required; calculation and administration of multimodal continuous rate infusions

• Performing postoperative care; euthanasia and collection of bio-samples

• Receiving live animal shipments

• Assisting FINDER research staff and users with animal care procedures and techniques.

In vitro work includes:

• Performing experiments such as culturing of pathogens (virus or bacteria) and enumerating viral or bacillary loads or performing validation inactivation experiments. Training will be provided as required.

Assists with day-to-day operations of the facility. This includes:

• Ordering, tracking, recording, and maintaining inventory (including RG3 agents and vectors), reagents and equipment.

• maintaining cleanliness and organization of the facility as well as equipment, cages etc.

• overseeing the waste management system.

• Packaging, labeling, processing biological, biochemical, radioactive and hazardous materials out of the facilities.

• Being responsible for the maintenance of storeroom supplies.

• Be responsible for operating and providing basic maintenance and training on lab equipment e.g. use of cage racks and cages.

• Helps tradespeople gain access to facility as required.

Ensuring federal, provincial and institutional facility compliance by:

• Assisting in ensuring the facility complies with all applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards required for annual PHAC recertification and those that relate to animal care in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), and The Criminal Code of Canada Section 446 and 447 of the Criminal Code which protects animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect

• Following all safety standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies

• Participating in FINDER team meetings as required for planning, problem-solving, and continuously improving services to researchers

• Recommending revisions to existing policies and procedures to the FINDER Research Platform Manager

• Participating in the delivery of training programs in laboratory animal science to the research community at UBC

• Treating confidentially all information related to research projects, personnel, and locations, and agrees not to disclose any such information to any person except as may be necessary in the proper discharge of work obligations

• Keeping abreast of developments in the area of expertise, participating in continuing education programs and maintains necessary certifications.

• Performing other related tasks as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent must be willing to pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place; however, there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and provide input into the direction of the project.

This position is expected to exercise some initiative and judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems would be referred to supervisor. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health, including mortality, and/or disruption or ruination of a research study. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may impact the success of the facility, leading to increased expenses and time loss. Inappropriate judgment concerning the use of controlled substances could lead to legal action against the university or revoking of provincial licenses currently held by the university veterinarians.

Error in the operation of the CL3 facility would negatively impact users and significant research delays could be incurred. Failure to maintain compliance with federal regulations and standards would jeopardize the entire facility's operations and potentially endanger the health of users. Poor attention to detail and erroneous data will negatively impact on the progress and direction of research projects, including those performed by other lab members. Valuable reagents, research time, and money would be lost. CL-3 hazard requires proper adherence to safe work practices to control the risk infection with RG3 agents.

FINDER facility policy dictates loss of access privileges to the CL3 lab and ability to work by anyone contravening FINDER operational practices. Loss of privileges will result if any of the following occurs:

1) Failure to follow directives provided by the FINDER Platform Manager.

2) Failure to follow Containment Level 3 SOPs as described in the FINDER Containment Level 3 Operation and Safety Manual.

3) Unauthorized after hours or weekend work

4) Working alone without proper authorization

5) Providing entry to unauthorized individuals

6) Unauthorized use of personal security card, such as loaning card

7) Modifying approved protocols without prior review by the FINDER Research Platform Manager.

8) Violation of confidentiality rules

Supervision Received

Takes direction from the FINDER Research Platform Manager. Receives instructions during orientation, on subsequent new assignments, on changes in procedures, and on unusual problems or matters which are not covered under established SOP's and policies. Once the tasks and techniques have been mastered, supervision will be minimal unless a specific need arises.

Supervision Given

The incumbent may distribute work assignments to employees at lower classification levels and initiate new employees into routines, procedures, and operation of equipment. May instruct co-workers, researchers, and their staff in techniques and procedures; and ensure adherence to established SOP's and policies. Assists with training of the FINDER users with regards of the operation of equipment and SOPs within the CL3 facility.

Ensures safety policies are followed by all users by observation of work practices in the facility.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

B.Sc. degree in an animal related field and/or Veterinary Technology diploma preferred. CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) or Registered Veterinary Technician preferred. High level of technical proficiency working with small animals in a research capacity. Minimum of six months experience working in a Containment Level 2 laboratory is preferred.

A sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science.

B.Sc. degree in an animal related field and/or Veterinary Technology diploma preferred. CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) or Registered Veterinary Technician preferred. High level of technical proficiency working with small animals in a research capacity. Minimum of six months experience working in a Containment Level 2 laboratory is preferred.

A sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a dynamic fast-paced team.

• Ability to work weekends, evenings and statutory holidays.

• Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.

• Proficiency in understanding the physical, behavioural and environmental requirements of individual species.

• Ability to identify common medical problems in laboratory animals and take appropriate action.

• Ability to explain, assign and monitor work;

• Ability to perform the physical demands of the job including: working in humid environments with varying temperatures; continuous exposure to animal dander, odours, excreta, dust, and noise, including potentially lethal pathogens, be able to walk and stand for extended periods, lift, carry, and move up to 25 kg objects over a distance; perform repetitive tasks; good manual dexterity, mobility, auditory, olfactory, and visual skills;

• Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., anesthetic machines, radiography, fluoroscopy, cautery machines, anesthetic monitoring equipment, pulse oximeter, Doppler, IV fluid pumps, syringe pumps, EtCO2 monitor, ventilator, rack and tunnel washers, autoclaves, dry heat oven, floor cleaning machine, industrial washers and dryers, bedding vacuum and dispensing system, bottle filling system, and high pressure spray units);

• Ability to effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, Mosaic Vivarium);

• Ability to read and comprehend technical material;

• Be willing to maintain and upgrade training;

• Ability to train others;

• Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines;

• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines;

• Ability to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner, both verbally and in writing;

• Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required;

• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner;

• Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences;

• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships;

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion;

• Ability to effectively resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment; and

• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.