Rodent Colony Specialist

Who we are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives.

Seeking a Rodent Colony Specialist to work in a dynamic team environment, reporting to our Vivarium Manager in the Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) Core. We are seeking a self-motivated individual who is detail-oriented, highly organized, flexible in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, capable of adopting new technologies, and has great time-management skills.  The RA will be responsible for the management of breeding colonies, veterinary care, coordinating study support, and assisting with the training program.

Position responsibilities:

• Breeding Management
  • Manage rodent colonies for various Principal Investigator and Core labs including breeding, collection of samples for genotyping, identification, weaning, aging and sexing of pups, and retiring of mouse colonies
  • Maintain accurate breeding and health records for laboratory animals, both electronic and hard copy.
  • Organize and plan using computerized databases for scheduling procedures, time management, breeding data entry
  • Provide support in the performance of routine animal husbandry, including but not limited to daily health checks, daily facility checks, cage changes, sanitation.
  • Provide rotational weekend/holiday coverage.
• Veterinary Care
  • Observe health conditions of animals, recognize and report common signs of clinical illness and/or irregularities in animal behavior
  • Perform clinical health assessments and treatments in coordination with the Vivarium Manager and/or Attending Veterinarian
  • Make recommendations on treatment based on established health protocols and approved protocols
  • Surgical or procedural support for core labs
• In-Vivo Study Support
  • Assist scientists and Core labs with their projects
  • Independently execute study support of performing technical procedures including dosing via standard routes, collection of bio specimens such as blood, and performing necropsies or tissue collection, at the direction of scientific lab and/or vivarium management
  • Document experimental data in technical notebooks or approved electronic files including activities undertaken, existing conditions, observed results and variation from expected data patterns
• Vivarium Training Coordination
  • Maintain Vivarium Training Program documentation and processes according to established SOP
  • Coordinate training events and update training records
  • Train husbandry and/or scientific staff in the general handling, restraint, and basic in-vivo technical procedures including but not limited to husbandry, sanitation, health assessment and clinical scoring, health surveillance
• Perform all other related duties as assigned
• Key attributes include:
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient with Google Suite, MS Suite, MacOS, PC Windows
  • Effectively collaborate with key support groups, core labs, and PI labs.

Position requirements:

• Bachelor’s (BS) or equivalent in animal or life science or related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the care, handling, and treatment of laboratory animals, including broad skills in husbandry and record-keeping.
• Experience in the handling, management, and/or breeding of traditional and transgenic rodents.
• AALAS LAT certification or higher preferred.