The Animal Caretaker is the responsibility for the feeding, cleaning and observation of research animals in support of laboratory projects and programs. This position cleans and disinfects cages, rooms and equipment. Additionally, this role supports staff and researchers with handling and restraint of animals.

 

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 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

 

A day in the life of a Animal Caretaker at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Becomes familiar with laboratory animals, their habits, and their needs. Attends the laboratory animal husbandry course given in the department.
• Maintains, scrubs, and disinfects animal cages, cage floors, and cage pans.
• Under supervision, cleans and sanitizes cages, animal rooms, and related equipment.
• Feeds and waters animals according to the schedule.
• Maintains animal rooms in clean and odorless condition; and maintains room census daily.
• Weighs or restrains animals when required for various technical procedures.
• Collects voided urine and feces when requested in appropriate containers.
• Performs such other duties as may be required for the maintenance and welfare of the animal colony.
• Understands and adheres to all HMH compliance standards as they appear in HMH policies.
• Must be able to carry a minimum of 50 lbs. Lifts a minimum of 50 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 100 lbs. and stands a minimum of 5 hours a day.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of an FBI background check and other regulatory approvals for admittance to BSL3 facilities and/or select agent facilities.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• High school diploma preferred.
• Prior experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• ALAT certification must be completed by 18 months of employment.  

 

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

Minimum rate of $19.33 Hourly

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package.

The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:

Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.


Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.

In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.