The Animal Technician Specialist, CDI will assist with the conduct of highly specialized and technically complex experiments using small animal models of infection with various bio-safety level 2 and/or 3 pathogens and may provide technical support for the BSL-3 Labs. Studies will be carried out in Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2) and/or Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) facilities and focus on infections via aerosol, intranasal, intravenous, intradermal, and subcutaneous routes. Antiviral and antibacterial drugs and experimental compounds will be administered via oral gavage or intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injection.

The Center for Discovery and Innovation- CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases.  The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 32 labs, 190 scientists and allied personnel supported by 60 NIH grants and more than 30 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, immunology and immunotherapy, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, and pharmacology.

A day in the life of a Animal Technician Specialist, CDI at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assists with performing various research and technical operations relative to lab specific projects. Specifically, procedures include, but are not limited to, the administration of drugs and discovery compounds to mice via various routes, mouse infection via intranasal, intravenous or aerosol routes, and sampling of organs for drug and burden quantification, and immunopathology studies.
• Assist with preparation of BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 pathogen cultures.
• Sets-up, maintains, sterilizes, and decontaminates the devices for aerosol infection, homogenizer, and other equipment.
• Autoclave waste materials and clean biosafety cabinets and equipment.
• Understands and adheres to Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) CDI compliance standards.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal and state regulations, laws and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Lifting and handling of laboratory animals and feed/equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in work with rodent models under Biosafety level 2 containment and/or relevant equivalent work experience.
• Basic knowledge in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.
• Good organization and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills..
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• CDC approved for work with select agents.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in work with animal infection models under Biosafety level 3 containment. 

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• AALAS certification (American Association for Lab Animal Scientists).

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!