Research Animal Technician

Full-Time or Part-Time options available, 2 Year Contract

At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to achieving innovative, ground-breaking health and medical research that fundamentally improves the quality of life for all people.

We are seeking a dedicated person who would be responsible for the care, maintenance and wellbeing of research animals and assisting the Research Supervisor and Preclinical Studies Manager and Scientist with the daily operation of specific Preclinical studies to a high standard. This person would be based at SAHMRI’s Preclinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories (PIRL) at Gilles Plains.

Reporting to the Livestock Supervisor, the position will also work closely with Director, PIRL, the Manager, PIRL and other staff at PIRL. The role will also interact with a range of external stakeholders including clients and researchers.

About the role

Key responsibilities include:

• Performing animal husbandry procedures.
• Contributing to maintaining high standard of animal care by feeding, watering and observing research animals.
• Assisting with cleaning, maintenance and stocking of cages, pens and other animal accommodation.
• Assisting in the disposal of animal bedding and carcasses.
• Adhering to correct protocols and standard operating procedures in relation to animal restraint, anaesthesia, injection, immunisation, and blood collection.
• Recording accurate data regarding the performance of quality assurance protocols, animal procedures and collection of animal products.
• Assisting with animal transportation as required.

About You

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

• Animal Care/Veterinary Nursing Diploma or Degree in Animal/Science field or equivalent.
• Experience in a research environment, particularly in relation to research animal requirements.
• Current knowledge of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.
• Experience in quality assurance principles particularly GLP and ISO requirements.
• Possess good interpersonal skills and have a demonstrated capacity to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Working knowledge of aseptic technique and of the need to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to prioritise and adhere to strict timelines.
• Meticulous documentation of information either written or electronic databases.

Special Requirements

• Participate in regular rostered overtime on weekend and public holidays
• Regular travel in the metropolitan area
• Manual handling of animals and Q Fever vaccination is required
• COVID-19 vaccination (or proof of medical exemption)
• This position may require a pre-employment medical examination to determine suitability for the physical requirements of the role.

For the safety and wellbeing of our employees and our community you will need to comply with SAHMRI’s Immunisation Policy which includes, wherever possible, that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please contact us if you have any queries specific to your circumstances.

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values and our institute is dedicated to grow a culture that pursues, enables and demands research excellence. We are proud of the work we do and work hard as a team to make a positive difference to the community. Our values of Excellence, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork are what help us achieve our goals. If these are also your values and goals, apply today.

For a copy of the position description, please click here.

Although the role is advertised as full-time we are willing to consider part-time options.

For more information, please contact Susan Porter.

Applications close: 5pm, Friday 7 January 2022

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply

SAHMRI is a member of the Athena SWAN Science in Australia Gender Equity program. We have been awarded Bronze status for our commitment to advancing the careers of women, trans and gender diverse individuals in STEMM.