Veterinary Assistant

at  Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Our Biology Research and Development Facility is looking for Veterinary Assistants!

INTRO

The Biology R&D Facility branch operates the Biological Research Facility (B524) which is a specific pathogen free laboratory rodent facility. B524 maintains a hospital level of cleanliness designed to provide a barrier to prevent the introduction of pathogens. We are looking for a keen, hardworking, responsible Veterinary Assistant to provide support to maintain facility cleanliness and support the veterinary team in successful execution of animal studies to meet our project commitments and maintain high-quality animal care. This role will primarily consist of animal husbandry activities, cage processing, procurement of supplies, and facility cleaning. The incumbent will report to the Animal Care Section Head.

• Incumbent will be responsible for changing cages, water bottles, and enrichment devices for laboratory animals (mice and rats) to include physically moving animals from dirty cages into clean cages.
• Bringing the cages to the respective cage wash area and dumping the dirty cages utilizing a bedding disposal unit. Loading dumped cages and cage accessories onto washing racks and completing the disinfection via the cage washing process. Operation of a cage washer.
• Unloading washed cages and refilling with appropriate (type and volume) of clean bedding materials. Storage of washed/disinfected items for re-use. Procuring items related to laboratory animal projects, such as (but not limited to) bedding, food, enrichment, scrubs, surgical consumables.
• Maintaining an appropriate inventory of ordered/commonly used items and ensuring supply storage locations are stocked within animal housing zones and cage wash areas.
• Assist veterinary technologists and veterinarians during examinations, treatments, and procedures, when required.
• Support veterinary technologists in successful preparation and execution of animal studies (e.g. labelling collection containers, recording data collected by technologists, procedure room set up, wrapping sterile packs for autoclaving, etc.).
• Cleaning common areas such as hallways, storage rooms, procedure rooms, animal housing rooms, and cage washing areas to maintain our specific pathogen barrier.
• Disposal of facility and study specific waste following guidance from Animal Care Section Head.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.