Animal Lab Specialist

by Western University

Reference #: 36948
Position Type: Full-time
Location: London, ON
Date Posted: Sep 26, 2024
Western University

Job Description

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: Level P

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

Animal Care & Veterinary Services (ACVS)’s vision is to advance excellence in research through collaborative and innovative service, education, and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

The Animal Lab Specialist is responsible for directly supporting the animal-based research community associated with Western and its affiliates by providing veterinary technician services and related research support, in conjunction with ACVS Veterinarians and the RVT Project Coordinator. The role will perform all animal care and technical related tasks in adherence to relevant guidelines, procedures and policies, and ensure that all staff and students have the proper training and are qualified. In conjunction with subject matter experts, the Animal Care Committee (ACC) and ACVS leaders, the Animal Lab Specialist will assist with the development and delivery of the animal user training program primarily for large animal species to animal-based scientists within Western’s research community, as per CCAC, CALAM ‘Standards of Veterinary Care’ and related institutional policies and procedures.

The hours of work will be variable depending upon research project needs, e.g. weekday work hours, after hours, weekend and holidays, and will involve any research species and containment types (Hazard Levels CL1, CL2, CL2+ and CL3). The role will also share on-call RVT support with the RVT Project Coordinator and SAR Coordinator, as required. The Animal Lab Specialist will demonstrate sincere compassion for animals, promptly report any health issues and administer treatments and medications under veterinary direction.

Qualifications

Education:
  • 2 year community college diploma in a Veterinary Technician or related program
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) designation in Ontario (OAVT)
  • Registered Lab Animal Technician (RLAT) designation in Canada completed, in progress, or with an ability to complete within 2 years of hire date – Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS)
Experience:
  • 5 years’ experience as a registered veterinary technician with primary duties in anesthesia, anesthetic monitoring and post-operative care in a variety of species, with an emphasis on large animal species
  • 1 year of experience working as a registered veterinary technician within an academic research environment
  • Minimum 1 year experience working in a customer service role
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Excellent knowledge of animal "normals" for a variety of animal species
  • Knowledge and skills pertaining to a variety of laboratory species, husbandry, common diseases and parasites and sample collection 
  • Skills in anesthesia, anesthetic monitoring and post- operative care in a variety of species
  • In-depth knowledge of injectable and gas anesthetic regimens, operating anesthetic machines, infusion pumps, ventilators, and multi-parameter monitoring devices
  • Knowledge of surgical principles with an ability to provide surgical assistance: surgical prep, post-operative care, surgical monitoring
  • Ability to demonstrate to investigators our mandate of serving them and facilitating their research
  • Ability to maintain animal care standards in accordance with regulatory guidelines and legislation
  • Ability to implement treatment and medication according to veterinary direction
  • Ability to demonstrate consistent care and compassion for animals used in a research setting
  • Proven problem solving and referencing skills to update supervisors at appropriate times
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of diplomacy and confidentiality on all information related to the work performed within the department
  • Proven attention to detail with an ability to accurately and efficiently transfer data into charts and tables
  • Ability to remain calm, personable, productive and efficient under stressful conditions
  • Ability to schedule, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks
  • Basic computer application skills- Microsoft Office Suite applications, custom databases; fast and accurate data entry skills
  • Ability to provide guidance in a way that will be positively received
  • Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
  • Verbal communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
  • Ability to foster collaboration and respect among team members
  • Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
  • Knowledge of regulatory bodies and regulations associated with animal care and use in research, teaching and testing
Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current police information record check from a police service prior to commencing employment.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

Interested applicants are asked to visit: https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #36948 by 11:59PM on October 25, 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
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Job Location

London, ON

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