ResponsibilitiesIn this role, you will provide support to the cage wash team including developing and implementing proper processes, personnel training, equipment checks and maintenance, area maintenance, transportation of cages and caging accessories between buildings within campus, and serving as a backup for planed an unplanned employee absences. Also, under the direction of the area PAT, conduct quality assurance checks in the assigned support areas to verify compliance with internal SOPs, WI, forms as well as with UCLA and extramural regulations that govern cage wash operations in an animal care and use program.DLAM is updating the campus cage wash operations to become more efficient, to implement a quality control process to guarantee the standards set by the biosecurity team, and to preserve employee safety. The new plan has been supported by DLAM leadership in collaboration with an external consultant. It includes:Centralizing 11 independently run facilities into 3 centralized cage wash areas/systems
Modernization of the equipment, including semi-automated cage wash machines, dry and steam sterilizers, automated water systems, and disinfectant stations/pumps.
Implementing lean management practices such as waste analysis and time in motion studies
Implementing a training track for technicians, and a process to follow up
Organizing the logistics for:
transporting clean and soiled supplies between buildings
keeping precise track of equipment
maintaining strict biosecurity rules to avoid cross contamination between buildings with different levels of permissible pathogens
QualificationsRequired:Working knowledge of vivarium cage wash operations enough to support the PAT
Experience working around vivarium cage wash equipment in a variety of set ups enough to maintain materials throughput and personnel safety
Ability to lift 50 pound bags of feed/bedding and to push up to 300 pounds racks of empty/soiled cages
Knowledge of cleaning and sanitizing materials and techniques enough to maintain a healthful environment
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers
Skill in motivating others, stimulating people to effective action
Ability to effectively communicate with people in English
Knowledge and skills working with Microsoft Office and other basic processors
Knowledge of and the ability to apply the concept of contamination control practices including engineering, administrative, and procedural controls for the containment of pathogens, including disinfection, and waste handling methods appropriate for work in bio-containment animal facilities up to BSL2 level with BSL3 practices
Graduation from high school, completion of training equivalent to the Laboratory Animal Technician certification of the AALAS, and two years of animal care experience; or high school graduation and three years of animal care experience in the care of animal species appropriate to the particular job; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position
Subject to DMV Pull
UCLA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.UCLA Health welcomes all individuals, without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or disabilities, and we proudly look to each person’s unique achievements and experiences to further set us apart.
