Animal Care Technician 1

PsychoGenics is a preclinical CRO with expertise in central nervous system (CNS) and orphan disorders.  Our mission is to provide the best validated disease models and comprehensive preclinical capabilities to help companies discover the next generation of treatments for severely disabling CNS and orphan disorders and reduce the attrition rate in clinical development.  We are known for our cutting-edge translational approach to research, our customized solutions, the breadth, and quality of our work, as well as for our ability to identify statistically relevant phenotypic changes that help our clients quantify the efficacy of their treatments before they move into the clinic.  With an extensive portfolio of highly predictive disease models and unparalleled experience performing studies for biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes, we enable clients to deliver much needed superior clinical candidates to patients.

Perform and oversee vivarium-related duties at our Paramus, NJ facility, which include husbandry and receipt of animals, maintenance of documentation log sheets as required, cage assembly, custodial duties, minor repairs, waste management, and inventory monitoring and ordering. Assist in Cage Wash/Materials Management as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Review, comprehend, and comply with all SOPs, IACUC, safety and quality assurance standards related to assigned work area and maintain awareness of regulatory requirements applicable to responsibilities.
• Basic sanitation and maintenance of colony rooms to include sweeping and mopping of animal quarters, rotating animal cages, racks and room supplies for cleaning according to schedule, disinfecting all areas of room.
• Daily husbandry of all animals in the vivarium to include the provision of feed, water, clean cages and enrichment, sample collection for sentinels.
• Monitor the health of the animals and report any sick or dead to the lab contact person.
• Receive and house shipments of animals, maintaining associated paperwork; prepare cage cards for animal arrivals. Maintain accurate documentation logs as required.
• Monitor room conditions including temperature, humidity, lighting, pest control.
• Maintain adequate supplies by monitoring levels, restock as required.
• Monitor animal health and perform procedures such as teeth trims, antibiotic treatments, animal handling, euthanasia, and other simple procedures as required.
• Participate in animal care staff meetings to discuss workflow and staffing problems and contribute ideas regarding efficiency improvements.
• Notify supervisor of equipment malfunctions or problems in colony rooms and of any non-compliance issues. May conduct/assist with maintenance/repairs or may coordinate repairs with contractors.
• Preparation of live animals or biological samples for shipping.
• Training of new husbandry staff as required.
• Assist in cage preparation areas as required.
• Conduct inventory of PPE and other frequently ordered supplies and notify appropriate person that supplies need to be ordered.
• Collection, storage, and transport of packaged labortory medical and chemical waste; maintain manifests for pickups. Dispose of vivarium waste in accordance with protocols.
• Conduct/assist with daily/weekly/monthly facility and safety inspections.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Ability to communicate information accurately, clearly, and concisely to ensure understanding.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating respect for management and colleagues.
• Ability to follow established work schedules.
• Strong attention to detail with observing animal behavior and record information accurately.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to accomplish daily and weekly assigned duties.
• Excellent judgment, time management, and observation skills to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of research study information.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays to maintain compliance in oversight of animals.
• Must be able to stand and move heavy equipment around in a safe manner for a sustained period of time, and must be able to perform repetitious procedures.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds safely.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• AALAS certification required within 1 year of employment at company.
• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory animal facility preferred.

Total Rewards Plan 

PsychoGenics offers competitive performance-based compensation, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. This role is eligible for annual performance-based raise and discretionary bonus for both individual and PsychoGenics annual performance. Our benefits include: 

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans
• HSA, FSA and dependent FSA
• Short- and long-term disability plans
• Stock-based incentive plan
• 401K with company contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off policy and paid parental leave policy
• EAP
• Additional voluntary benefits

PsychoGenics is a veteran/disability/equal opportunity employer. 

We take pride in maintaining a diverse work environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create a workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and allows our people to unleash their full potential.

Reasonable Accommodation

PsychoGenics provides qualified individuals with reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process. If you require assistance or need reasonable accommodation due to disability, please contact Human Resources at: careers@psychogenics.com