The position reports to the Animal Resources Manager and works with other animal care staff to provide
husbandry for research animals housed in the WMed Vivarium. May need to conduct technical
procedures (blood collection, etc.) needed to meet research goals and/or to maintain optimal health of the
animals. Assists the Animal Resources Manager and Assistant Dean for Laboratory Animal Resources
as requested to ensure the facility and animal care program continue to meet all standards required to
remain in compliance with regulatory agencies, and needed to maintain AAALAC accreditation. Training
will be provided as needed.

• Assure that a safe and sanitary environment is provided for all laboratory animals.
  
• Observe, report, and maintain appropriately detailed records on clinical irregularities in the laboratory
  animals, with their environmental conditions, and their daily husbandry.
  
• Perform basic care and husbandry activities for laboratory animals in accordance with all applicable
  guidelines, policies, and regulations; includes (but not limited to) cleaning and disinfecting cages,
  monitoring animal behavior, supplying food and water, and assisting with colony management when
  required.
  
• Consistently and accurately record detailed information about each animal when required.
  
• Maintain records, collect data, compile results, and write reports, as requested.
  
• Ensure support is provided for animal health monitoring and veterinary medical treatments as
  prescribed by the Attending Veterinarian.
  
• Assist veterinarians or researchers with animal examinations and procedures when needed.
  
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be
willing to work weekend, overtime, and holiday hours as needed.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Associates’ degree or higher in biology, animal science, or science-related field preferred.
  
• Previous experience working with animals in an academic research setting preferred.
  
• Knowledge of scientific and animal husbandry principles desired.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS:

• None required; certification from AALAS desirable.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing (email,
  etc.) required.
  
• Strong computer skills needed, including the ability to learn new software required to maintain
  accurate animal records.
  
• Must be able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.
  
• Strong organizational skills and ability to concurrently manage multiple tasks.
  
• Meticulous attention to detail and data integrity.
  
• Must be able to complete an annual N95 mask fit-testing
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
  encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  
• The employee regularly works in a clean, well-lighted, temperature controlled, and smoke-free
  environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be exposed to noxious
  substances, infectious agents, loud noises, and fast-paced or stressful working conditions.
• The employee must be willing to work in a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) environment and able to wear
  appropriate respiratory protection.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
  successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  
• The employee must be able to perform a combination of sitting, standing and walking.
  
• Must have the ability to hear within normal range and possess the physical capability and hand
  dexterity to operate basic office equipment.
  
• Occasionally lifts average of 35 pounds.
  
• Occasionally push/pull/rotate wheeled items weighing up to 300 pounds.
  
• Pre-employment physical required.

INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exhibits a commitment to the values expressed in the medical school mission, vision and values;
  Educational Pledge; Code of Professional Conduct; and building a supportive learning and working
  environment with a positive attitude at the work place and toward their job.
  
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with
  all constituents both internally and externally in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and
  accountability.
  
• Ability to work effectively on group projects with internal and external customers in a collaborative
  manner.
  
• Applies knowledge of principles and process for providing exemplary stakeholder service and
  support. This includes assessment of stakeholder needs, meeting quality standards for services, and
  evaluation of stakeholder satisfaction.
  
• Maintains the confidentiality of all patient, employee, physician, student, and institutional information.
  
• Supports and assists enhancing the culture, diversity, and inclusiveness of the medical school.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed)

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-entered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a just culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. WMed is the recipient of a $100 million foundational gift and the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an annual estimated economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and a Master of Science degree program in Biomedical Sciences. We train physicians in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas. Faculty in the Department of Pathology serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, faculty and administrative offices, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed builds upon Kalamazoo’s century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school’s advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery. 

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace. 

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.