2025-07-02
University of Pittsburgh
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15260
United States
Rodent Colony Program Coordinator
The Rodent Colony Program Coordinator will oversee the daily operations of the rodent breeding program within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR). They will be responsible for coordinating and managing breeding agreements with research labs, breeding mice, performing husbandry and animal care tasks, training and directing technical staff, and maintaining accurate records using a variety of colony management software tools. A basic understanding of mouse genetics and prior experience with colony management are strongly preferred. The candidate will:
• Supervise the day-to-day operations of the breeding colony, ensuring the health, welfare, and genetic integrity of research animals,
• Perform husbandry and animal care activities including health observation, cage sanitization, and setting up matings and weanings.
• Under veterinary advisement, will perform some basic medical treatments,
• Collaborate with investigators and research staff to align breeding strategies with experimental timelines,
• Collect samples for genotyping, and utilize colony management software to track genotypes, lineages, cage counts, and husbandry records, and support integration of software systems where applicable,
• Monitor and manage colony productivity and breeding performance, troubleshooting issues such as low yield or failed matings,
• Track activities, expenditures, order supplies, and perform billing activities,
• Provide training and instruction to animal care technicians,
• Liaise with the Facility Supervisor to coordinate animal care technicians’ schedules, activities, and communicate performance observations,
• Maintain compliance with institutional IACUC protocols and standard operating procedures,
• Ensure high standards of documentation, accuracy, and communication across teams,
• Ensure that the daily operations and activities of the breeding program are accomplished in accordance with IACUC protocols, DLAR guidelines and standard operating procedures, and University policies and federal regulations.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in animal science, biology, or a related field and three year’s relevant experience, or a combination of equivalent education and experience. Must have working knowledge of rodent colony management, familiarity with mouse husbandry practices, breeding setups, basic mouse genetics, and some technical skills such as performing rodent euthanasia. The position requires strong written and verbal communication skills, organization, attention to detail, the ability to prioritize tasks, aptitude with various software programs, and demonstrated customer skills. Preferred candidate will have experience working in a regulated research environment under IACUC oversight, experience troubleshooting breeding issues or developing colony efficiency strategies, experience in using colony management and/or vivarium tracking software, knowledge of genotyping techniques and/or working with transgenic or knockout lines. Must 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. Vaccinations and/or TB testing may be required. Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is required. External candidate must achieve within 12 months of start date.
Oversees day-to-day management and execution of multiple complex research projects and ensures compliance with all funding agencies and sponsors. Constructs data collection instruments and crafts promotional materials. Troubleshoots data and manages database. Assists with screening, recruitment, and enrollment of study participants. Performs budgetary and purchasing functions.
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, perform basic treatments and procedures, 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) for extended periods of time 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);
• effectively communicate in written and verbal formats, in English, including the use of email
• successfully enroll in University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP) and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities
• 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.
The employee must be able to:
• stand for extended periods of time for 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
• operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to push/pull heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds
• perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, twisting, 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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