Research Technician II

Job Summary

We are looking for a Research Technician II to join our Insourcing Solutions team located in Dixon, CA.

Why work at Charles River?

We adhere to strong values, share the same mission, that together, we create healthier lives. Our culture is one of endless opportunity, purpose and creating change. We are committed to empowering our employees with the tools and programs they need to develop rewarding careers. We offer competitive benefits and excellent training programs for all our employees.

What impact will you have?

The Animal Resources department seeks a highly engaged, motivated, and responsible individual to join our high-throughput Animal Reproductive Technology Animal Care (ART-AC) team in Dixon, CA.  The successful candidate will work closely with the ART-AC team to support custom mouse model creation, cryopreservation, rederivation, cross by microinjection and IVF, etc. Responsibilities include husbandry, and other duties including lab support and work as assigned.

In the Research Technician II role, you will work with our research animals to ensure they are well cared for, including:

• Perform rodent husbandry duties, such as room sanitation, cage change, daily health checks, post-operative monitoring, breeder setup and takedown, tail biopsy for genotyping, cross-fostering, wean, etc. and specialized tasks such as hormone administration via intraperitoneal injection, estrus check, plug check, colony and room transfer, pseudopregnant and stud male colony management, stud male vasectomies and sterility testing, and other support tasks for the ART (Animal Reproductive Technology) and microinjection labs.
• Exhibit professional and collegial behavior, communication skills, and expected to participate in discussions at unit meetings.
• Serve as a mentor to less experienced staff, including periodic review of data processes and reports to the lab manager.
• Review, comprehend and comply with all SOPs, guidelines/policies, and quality assurance standards pertaining to assigned responsibilities, and to the care and use of laboratory mice for research under the delegation and/or supervision of the ART (Animal Reproductive Technology) Lab manager.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Animal Science, etc.) or related discipline, and 3 years of relevant experience in research animal science with rodents or rodent husbandry.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.  AALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is required. 

Must be proficient in mouse handling, sexing, and health assessment.  Demonstrated experience with mouse reproductive technology and techniques required. Must have hands on experience with daily operations such as hormone administration via intraperitoneal injection, estrus check, plug check, oviduct harvest/oocyte collection, colony and barrier room transfer.  Required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the lab schedules.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Demonstrated high level of attention to detail, responsiveness, adaptability, and reliability.  Proven ability to successfully work independently and collaboratively in a team.  Excellent organizational and time management skills.  Must have experience with computers, mobile platforms, and accurate data management systems in a professional environment.

The pay for this position is $36.00 - 38.00 USD per hour. Schedule: The required work hours are 5 days a week, Tuesday - Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. The position is 100% onsite and the candidates must be available and willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.