GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Working with investigators, animal care staff, laboratory management and administrative personnel, support the safe and appropriate care of animals within a laboratory setting. Understand, communicate and track compliance with procedures and regulations. Provide proper animal care, husbandry and completion of study procedures. Maintain health records and other documentation.

Serve as point person for laboratory safety to include monitoring and tracking of laboratory of compliance with hospital policies and agency regulations, disseminating information, providing and documenting user training and ensuring equipment and supplies meet requirements.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Animal Program Oversight:
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, guidelines, and ethical standards related to the care and use of laboratory animals.
• Develop and maintain protocols for the ethical treatment, housing, feeding, and handling of laboratory animals.
• Oversee the procurement, transportation, and housing of laboratory animals, ensuring appropriate facilities and conditions are maintained.
• Coordinate and oversee the training of personnel involved in animal handling and care to ensure competency and adherence to protocols.
• Monitor the health and well-being of laboratory animals.
• Maintain accurate records of animal procurement, housing, health status, and experimental procedures.
• Implement strategies to minimize pain and distress in laboratory animals, including the use of appropriate anesthesia and analgesia.
• Participate in/perform animal study procedures.

2. Laboratory Safety Management:
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks associated with laboratory activities.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Provide training and education to laboratory personnel on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure that appropriate safety equipment and emergency supplies are available and maintained in working order.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, or near misses related to laboratory safety and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Stay informed about new developments in laboratory safety regulations, technologies, and best practices, and update protocols accordingly.
• Collaborate with other departments or organizations to address broader safety issues and promote a culture of safety within the research community.
• Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies, inspectors, and institutional safety committees regarding laboratory safety compliance.

Complete additional responsibilities, team membership, projects, meetings and other work as needed.

EDUCATION:

• BS/BA required in animal science or related scientific related field of study.

EXPERIENCE:

• 4 years of relevant animal care laboratory experience in research academic setting or healthcare industry required. Work with small and large animals preferred. Exposure to research studies, regulatory affairs, or medical drug/device product development preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• * Solid technical background with understanding and hands-on experience in animal husbandry, care and use in a research laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of animal related and laboratory safety policies and regulations.
• Understanding of laboratory needs, operations and supply management.
• Able to function independently and make effective decisions.
• Must demonstrate analytical skills, excellent judgment and aptitude in problem solving.
• Strong organizational, administrative and time management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills, with ability to interact professionally at all levels, internal and external to the organization.
• Ability to prepare and conduct user training as well as serve as a resource to others.
• Organizational skills along with the ability to multi-task and effectively complete work when competing priorities occur.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Provide general functional oversight to veterinary program staff.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Prudent use of hospital resources and cost-effective ordering of supplies.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal laboratory and office conditions occurring within assigned and ad hoc workspaces. May include exposure to bodily fluids, animal waste, noise, fumes, chemicals and other workplace hazards. Work may require prolonged sitting, standing, computer use and other physical requirements as applicable.

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.