Animal Health Technician 

The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) is an innovative organization that focuses on bridging the gap between academic discoveries in the health sciences and the development of new medicines to treat human diseases. With operational facilities located on the campuses of the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA), CDRD has established a novel drug development platform. By working closely with Canadian academic researchers and the pharmaceutical/ biotechnology industry, CDRD provides a collaborative framework through which drug development can become sustainable, cost-effective, and advantageous to society.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Study Director Pharmacology/Toxicology, the Animal Health Technician will be responsible for the day to day operations in maintaining animal rooms in large multi-user facilities as well as conducting pre-clinical studies to assess the pharmacology and toxicology of novel therapies in support of CDRD projects.

Responsibilities

  • Performs various technical procedures in rodents including test article administration via intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, oral, intramuscular, and intranasal routes.
  • Performs inoculation of human and murine tumor cells and performs blood/tissue collections.
  • Monitors animal studies and is responsible for collecting experimental data including body weights, tumor measurements, in- life observations and necropsies.
  • Performs in vivo fluorescence imaging and luminescence imaging of small animals.
  • Performs minor surgical procedures on small animals and provides monitoring and post operative care.
  • Follows and assists in writing Standard Operating Procedures. Maintains data records and has knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices.
  • Assists in writing technical study reports; Data collection, tabulation and generating figures.
  • Performs activities for the day-to-day operations of animal rooms housing CDRD studies within the Centre of Disease modeling at UBC.
  • Cares for and maintains animals in accordance with CCAC guidelines.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Diploma from an Animal Health Technology Program and a minimum of 3 years post-graduate experience working with animals, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • CALAS certification at the RLAT or RLAT(R) level.
  • An understanding of operations within a barrier facility and working knowledge of standard operating procedures.
  • Good organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and previous experience with graphical programs.
  • Knowledge of the use and handling of hazardous agents such as biological agents, cytotoxic drugs and radionuclides would be an asset.
  • Occasional weekend and holiday work may be required.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@cdrd.ca.

We thank all interested applicants for their interest, however, only those applicants short-listed will be contacted for an interview.

Location: UBC

Application Closing Date: January 29, 2010