Research Support Technician - Colony Management Program

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope's translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope's specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation's "Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

In addition to the tasks associated with animal care Research Support Technicians and Specialists, is responsible for performing tasks and procedures associated with managing the production of research animal breeding colonies, including mating, weaning, animal identification, tissue biopsy, data collection, and communication with researchers using these services.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Observes all animals in assigned work area and reports any sick, injured or distressed animals to an Animal Health Technician or Veterinarian.
• Changes cages at scheduled intervals and whenever needed to support animal health and well-being. Ensures animals have adequate food and water at all times.
• Follows breeding plan and mating schemes to meet animal production goals. Reports breeding issues promptly to Animal Breeding Supervisor or Coordinator.
• Performs tissue biopsy and animal identification in a timely manner.
• Weans, separates litters, and transfers animals for experimental use in a timely manner.
• Accurately documents breeding activities on cage cards and in the computerized breeding database in a timely manner.
• Effectively communicates with and responds to researcher requests for breeding colony information. Communicates with researchers on a regular basis to inform them of their colony status and any issues/questions that may arise.
• Documents daily husbandry and breeding activities in a computerized database.
• Monitors and documents animal holding room environment. Reports non-compliant environmental parameters and/or malfunctioning equipment to the Supervisor or Facilities Manager.
• Maintains animal holding rooms and assigned support areas in a clean and orderly state.
• Sanitizes animal holding rooms and assigned support areas.
• Performs weekly animal census accurately and reconciles discrepancies in a timely manner in accordance with CCM/ACP policies.
• Performs rack changes and animal transfer station/biosafety cabinet maintenance as required.
• Restrains animals for various technical procedures such as subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. May assist with diagnostic sample collection such as blood or feces collection/
• Humanely euthanizes animals as requested or required.
• Provides technical services to investigators including mixing and dispensing special diets, medicating drinking water, providing special housing requirements or assisting with specific restraint and handling procedures.
• Performs other animal care/breeding related duties as required.
• Participates in training sessions, staff meetings, and continuing education activities.
• Interacts/establishes working relationships and communicates effectively and positively with research and Animal Care Program staff.
• Attends meetings as required.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• High School or equivalent.
• No animal breeding experience required; 2+ years of experience working in a laboratory animal care or research veterinary technician position.

Required Certification/Licensure:

• AALAS ALAT certification (or ALAT certification obtained within 6 months of hire).

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.