Vivarium Specialist I

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.

The Ragon Institute is seeking a skilled individual for a Vivarium Specialist I position in the newly opening building of the Ragon Institute. The Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard is a located in the heart of Technology Square in Cambridge. The vivarium is a brand new, state of the art facility. Under the supervision of the Vivarium Manager (or Supervisor), the Vivarium Specialist I is responsible for the sanitation and sterilization of animal caging systems that are required to maintain a high-level animal research program. Duties include: disassembling and emptying dirty cages, loading cage components into cage wash machines with and without automation, unloading cage wash machine, loading and unloading sterilizers, reassembling cage components, disinfection of animal-related supplies prior to use, general cleaning and maintenance of cage wash machines and sterilizers, general cleaning and maintenance of cage wash area; other duties as assigned by the supervisor. The ability to perform all duties while strictly adhering to established SOPs and in compliance with local, state, federal and institutional guidelines and regulations is a requirement. Computer skills are required for computerized management of cage wash machinery in addition to record keeping in accordance with established procedures. Can perform day to day preventative cleaning and maintenance on all equipment including automation.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilization of automation systems for cage wash
• Operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of tunnel washers, rack washers, high pressure autoclaves, dry heat sterilizers, RO automatic watering system, automatic bedding dispensing units including the SureFlo (bedding removal system) and SureVac (vacuum system).
• Responsible for removing, receiving, and dumping/scraping soiled rodent cages and water bottles in preparation for washing.
• Responsible for validating the effectiveness of cage wash and sterilization cycles by interpreting and recording results of chemical and/or biological indicators placed in designated loads.
• Responsible for maintaining chemical mixing stations and supplies Individual and/or system will request chemicals when required.
• Responsible for the handling, storage, and preparation of clean cages, bottles and other items that have been processed through cage wash equipment.
• Responsible for monitoring mechanical and environmental parameters in cagewash, and reporting all issues to the supervisor or manager in a timely manner.
• May be required to work directly with vendors for maintenance and repairs of the equipment.
• Responsible for completing decontamination of supplies, caging, etc., via handheld sprayer and decontamination room.
• May be required to aid with the duties of the Vivarium Specialist II. Duties include but are not limited to routine cages changing, which includes transferring animals to clean cages, providing clean lids, water bottles, filter bonnets/frames, fresh, special diets and medicated water as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum degree and field of knowledge: High School Diploma or GED
• Years experience required: 0-3 year's experience working with cagewash equipment or animals in a lab environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficient in verbal and written English communication skills.
• Experience working in cagewash area with ability to troubleshoot machines preferred
• Experience working with advanced mechanical and automation systems preferred.
• Ability to work independently or as a team.
• Must be able to follow detailed instructions
• Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications.
• Familiarity with vivarium software and colony management systems preferred.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 8 hour shift.
• ALAT Certification preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The ability to work directly with animals (including mice and rats), with no preexisting allergies to animals, hair, dander, or biproducts that would affect ability to work with these animals. Must be able to perform in this environment with exposure to these potential allergens for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 8 hour shift.
• The ability to lift 50 lbs., push or pull up to 100 lbs., and perform other physical tasks.
• Must be willing to be fit tested and wear a N95 mask (by being clean shaven for proper and necessary fit) or alternatively, if necessary, a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) as required.
• Ability to work in Biosafety levels up to BSL-3
• Ability to work with biological and chemical hazards
• May occasionally need to report to work in the event of a disaster, or weather-related event, if necessary
• This position is considered essential. May be required to work on weekends, holidays, and off hours.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.