Job Details

Posting Details

About WesternU

As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture.

At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others.

Although, geographically, we are two campuses - as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference.

Posting Details

Position Title
Laboratory and Animal Care Technician Assistant

Position Control Number
S04067

Type of Position
Staff

Position Status
Part-time

Campus
Western University Campus-Lebanon, OR

Position Location
Oregon

Department
1308-Office of Animal Resources

Job Summary

Assist Vivarium manager and laboratory technician(s) to ensure the well-being of research animals and maintenance of the vivarium facility to meet IACUC and USDA requirements. The Technician Assistant at COMP-Northwest will also be expected to gain the ability to perform routine laboratory functions supporting scientific experiments and investigations in the Research Lab including, as well as assist with the following; conducting inventory of supplies and samples; recording and analyzing data; experiments and report writing on scientific findings; and maintaining a safe environment in the lab. This position will also train students on laboratory techniques and help guide them on independent research projects, among other laboratory or department-based tasks.

This position reports to the Animal Care Operations Manager at COMP-Northwest. This position will also collaborate closely with the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, and other research faculty.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to

perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities:

• Must have a solid foundation in science subjects such as biology and chemistry.
• Must be comfortable with working with various types of animals; must disclose any known and existing animal allergies.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn and apply scientific techniques, use technical equipment with accuracy and efficiency.
• Individuals are recommended to be in good physical condition or mobility; this position requires constant physical activity such as standing, bending, walking, reaching, lifting, etc.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• At least six months' experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience in animal care and/or research involving mammals.
• Good knowledge in MS Office and other basic computer software systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• College coursework in animal science, biological sciences, or other field pursuing scientific degree preferred.

Experience:

• One year experience in a laboratory environment, preferably in academic research settings applying basic laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with care and husbandry needs for commonly used research animals.
• Certification/Licenses/Registration: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or eligibility to earn certification.

Essential Job Duties

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Husbandry:

• Monitors and logs animal health daily, reports initial health concerns to the Vivarium Manager and Attending Veterinarian.
• Performs routine cleaning, cage changing, maintenance and safety checks within the vivarium and laboratory space.
• Assists with vivarium quality assurance (QA) testing and recordkeeping.
• Assists with inventory management and receiving supplies as needed.
• Assists technicians and Principal Investigators with any special animal care needs or procedures in accordance with protocols, experiments, and projects.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Support & Recordkeeping:

• Performs routine laboratory tasks as needed per management or researcher direction.
• Assist with proper materials disposal, organization, general housekeeping, and any required recordkeeping for the laboratory to abide by university policy and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance.
• May occasionally assist researchers and students with experiments using laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• May assist with writing reports, performing data analysis, and constructing summaries on the findings of experiment work.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Maintenance & Recordkeeping:

• Performs routine laboratory maintenance tasks weekly or as needed per management direction.
• Assist with proper materials disposal, organization, general housekeeping, and any required recordkeeping for the laboratory to abide by university policy and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Other Responsibilities:

• Stay up to date with relevant scientific developments that can improve the efficiency of lab operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Posting Details Continued

Work Schedule

• Part time, 10-16 hours per week. Weekend and holiday shifts are expected.
• Due to the nature of the industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to meet the needs of the department needs. required.

Working at WesternU

We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.

We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,
• Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
• Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
• Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
• As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
• WesternU's core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!

Expected Pay Scale

Minimum
$19.50 Hourly

Maximum
$19.50 Hourly