Animal Care Technician - Temporary - Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
About the Job
Overview
We are currently seeking a highly motivated, well-qualified Animal Behavior Research Technician within the lab of Dr. Carlos Brody at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute Working in a Multilab Behavior training facility. The Brody Lab is interested in the neural mechanisms underlying our cognitive abilities and they utilize the Rodents as a model organism to apply a combined computational-experimental approach to their studies of decision-making, executive/cognitive control, and working memory. More information can be found on their website.
This position will be responsible for performing behavioral training of rodents and have the opportunity to contribute to experiments involving optogenetics, electrophysiology and head fixed rigs. This role will collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral research fellows and other technicians to facilitate training in a high throughput behavior training system.
This role is PART TIME, with an anticipated 20-30 hours per week. There is flexibility within the schedule, but this position will require 10-hour workdays and shifts are scheduled on weekdays, weekends, and Holidays.
Position requires a reasonable level of mobility in which a technician remains in active movement while carrying various weights of approximately 14 lbs. for periods of 45-90 minutes with periods of seated work in between. The ability to comfortably perform repetitive motion tasks such as kneeling for a minute or two, bending, climbing step stools, regularly pushing and pulling large wheeled racks in excess of 50 lbs., and occasionally lifting 50 lbs. Reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate small objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard, plugging in micro USB; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear – specifically the ability to use a computer, listen for a sound check beep, observe animals and other individuals and objects in laboratory, ability to observe the work environment to detect and, as appropriate, address hazards, and ability to understand spoken language. Work will involve exposure to malodorous vapors and may involve exposures to low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.
The qualified candidate must be well organized, reliable, punctual, possess great attention to detail and communication skills. Must be able to work individually or in a team environment with minimal supervision.
This position will be an initial 6-month temporary position with the possibility of extension.
Please send coverletter and resume to jteran@princeton.edu
Responsibilities
Training rodents on behavioral tasks.
Oversight of the health and wellbeing of rodents, to include (but not limited to):
o Health checks and socialization
o Behavior training and handling
o Some basic husbandry duties
o Maintaining accurate, detailed records and data
Assisting with the needs of staff, students and faculty
Other lab duties as assigned
Qualifications
Must be able to work in a laboratory environment with protective equipment, including ability and willingness to adhere to strict SOP regulations
High school diploma or equivalent OR certification as an animal technician (AALAS) or Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) is required
Must be willing to regularly handle and work with rodents
Ability to work on weekends is required
Ability to work Holidays required
Flexible scheduling for time-critical laboratory needs would be a plus.
Experience with basic soldering, computer programming, machining, or 3D printing would be a plus
Ability to perform daily sound checks on lab equipment and machinery.
Ability to comfortably lift 50 lbs.
Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
