2025-06-05
University of Pittsburgh
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15260
United States
Animal Care and Operations Supervisor - RBL
This Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) Animal Care and Operations Supervisor will be responsible for managing staff and daily operations, in the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL). The candidate will:
A successful candidate must have two years of lab animal experience with one year in a supervisory capacity; consistently demonstrate professional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills; execute effective time and process management; possess positive customer service and team-building skills; be proficient with technology in order to use common applications (e.g. email, Microsoft Office, Zoom) and to learn CAMS (DLAR business application software); be available to work occasional weekends and holidays; stand for extended periods of time; lift 50 pounds; push/pull heavy equipment and pass the mandatory criminal and social background checks. Due to the nature of biohazard research, the candidate must be capable of adequately performing all duties outlined while wearing respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment required to enter Biosafety Level 3 facilities.
Candidate must be able to complete and pass SRA Approval (Department of Justice background check), Suitability assessment and a health screening required by Federal regulation. Preferred candidate will have completed criteria in the DLAR Career Development Program. Candidates working in the Rangos Research Building at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will need to obtain Child Protection Clearances. Vaccinations and/or TB testing may be required.
Oversees the animal research facility and coordinates animal care responsibilities. Monitors budget for assigned animal facilities, assists with implementing programs and procedures that enhance operations, and serves as a point of contact for Animal Care & Operations. Schedules equipment preventative maintenance and performs animal care duties.
The employee must be able to:
• read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable
• follow written and verbal instructions
• demonstrate sufficient fine motor skill to manipulate animals and equipment; negotiate around equipment within close quarters; move between rooms and workspaces
• have sufficient visual acuity to recognize and identify normal and abnormal species-specific clinical appearances and behavior patterns, safely handle and restrain the animal species, and operate and maintain facility equipment and supplies utilized in the provision of animal husbandry and care and in the cash wash areas
• have sufficient audible acuity to hear equipment alarms and other warnings
• wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S
• work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations if necessary
• accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications (e.g., PRISM, CAMS);
• effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email
• receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices
• successfully enroll in University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP) and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities
The employee must be able to:
• stand for extended periods of time throughout the majority of the workday.
• lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including but not limited to caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding, and operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to move heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds.
• perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, reaching, and/or bending.
• physically handle and restrain a variety of small and large laboratory animals.
• negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
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