The Biological Testing Facility (BTF) at Garvan is a centralised Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) facility with housing and phenotypic analysis of small rodents. BTF staff are trained in the care and husbandry of these animals and the facility offers full-time veterinary support. The facility contains specialised equipment for phenotyping genetically modified mice including the Promethion indirect calorimetry, dexascan/faxitron along with other specialised facilities/equipment to assist with biomedical research including in vivo animal imaging, irradiator, PC2 rodent facilities, variable temperature, reverse light cycle room and the behavioural phenotyping facility.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Animal Technician is a support role and the primary function is to provide for the care and maintenance of animals used in medical research and to indirectly support research staff involved in animal research.

This position adds value to the Garvan Institute by providing animal care services, thereby freeing research staff to focus on scientific research outcomes. Effective and breakthrough scientific outcomes ultimately result in further funding success for Garvan's ultimate goal is prevention, treatment or cure of the major diseases previously mentioned.

Salary: $35 per hour + 10.5% superannuation

Employment Type: Casual on going

SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS

• Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
• Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
• Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
• Flexible work arrangements e.g. location, start / finish times etc
• 18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
• A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Management of animal husbandry within a delegated area, duties include but are not limited to:
• Adhere to Garvan’s Animal Ethics Monitoring Standards
• Daily cleaning and changing animal cages
• Cleaning to ensure required hygiene of animal rooms as per instructions and protocol requirements
• Maintain laboratory spaces to ensure high levels of cleanliness and stocking of consumables.
• Monitor and refill water and feed as per instructions and protocol requirements
• Monitor animals and diligently report health or behavioural abnormalities to more senior animal care staff
• Adhere to strict monitoring, welfare and husbandry procedures, checklists and ethical standards for the care of animals
• Administrative responsibilities such as animal despatch, animal arrivals, data entry regarding breeding, welfare, etc.
• Weigh and administer medication to animals when requested by senior ABR/BTF staff and/or researchers.  Follow instructions for the dilutions of drugs and chemicals.
• Carry out basic manipulation techniques under supervision of senior trained staff, such as, injections, bleeding techniques, euthanasia, post mortems, administration of anaesthesia, minor surgery
• Routine use and maintenance of anaesthetic machine, tail tattooing machine, balance, animal change station/biosafety cabinet, computer station and associated IT equipment
• Actively communicate with and support ABR team members in a positive and helpful manner in order to maintain the welfare and ethical monitoring standards of the animals in your care
• Maintain up to date skills and knowledge of ethical, monitoring policies, protocols and checklists
• Strictly maintain confidentially and protection of Garvan’s research and operational procedures
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training
• Attend and proactively participate in team meetings
• Be available to participate in shifts and work rosters covering weekends and public holidays.

ABOUT YOU

• While no formal qualifications are required, a willingness to undertake relevant technical qualifications is desirable and relevant TAFE qualifications are preferred
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and care
• Good knowledge of the husbandry, housing and breeding requirements of laboratory rodents.
• General previous experience in handling rodents
• Possess basic manipulation skills or the ability to learn
• Excellent attention to detail and observational skills, and initiative to correct defects
• Efficient record keeping and organisational skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to work individually or as a member of a group
• Ability to organise own time - be able to schedule tasks using a work diary
• A professional and caring approach
• Ability and motivation to develop new skills and learn new procedures

ABOUT GARVAN

The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.

Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.

We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.

Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.