Animal Technician

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.

Our Veterinary Services team consists of Animal Attendants, Animal Technicians, Animal Technician Lead and Veterinarians. We are currently looking for an Animal Technician to join our team. The Animal Technician will be a level I, II or III position, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Position Summary

Working independently with support and direction from the animal technician lead, the animal technician facilitates the needs of internal and external animal-based research while ensuring CCAC and UACC guidelines are maintained. Work is performed in CL2 and CL3 labs. The animal technician is required to work with all types of species, which are subject to change based on research requirements. The animal technician also performs a variety of assigned duties, both inside and outside of the animal care facilities.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with the following minimum competencies and experience:

• Performs a range of husbandry duties including, but not limited to, feeding animals and cleaning pens/cages at VIDO facilities, including the research farm.
• Participates in providing animal enrichment and on the enrichment committee
• Prepares and cleans and disinfects room and supplies following completion of procedures
• Assists in restraining and challenging animals as required and performs clinical exams on animals
• Ensures humane treatment of all animals in their care, while observing animal behavior, reporting concerns to veterinarian staff.
• Performs procedures on animals, including but not limited to: IV injections, lung and organ perfusion, necropsy, challenges, immunization, collection of blood and tissue sample, euthanasia, and nasal wash
• Continually monitors the use of animals with respect to biosecurity
• Maintains knowledge of current pathogens and disinfectants
• Maintains paperwork relevant to trials and gathers and records clinical data for assigned projects
• Participates in assigned weekend rotation, performing a variety of tasks.

Qualifications

• Minimum two-year Veterinary Technician diploma or relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 1–3 years of relevant experience
• RLAT certification is an asset
• Ability to undergo and maintain a favorable background check and Public Health Agency of Canada (HPTA) Security Clearance.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment including a positive air purifying respirator or a negative air purifying respirator.
• Ability to work in many and varied conditions, including containment level 3 areas where risk group 3 human pathogens are handled and stored. This will include taking a body shower upon exit from the labs.
• Participation in the established medical surveillance plan is required.

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: Non-Union

Shift: 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week). Shift work will be required and will be assigned Sunday – Saturday.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition

Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes

Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes

Education/Credential Verification: Yes

Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter, CV, and the names of three references online.

Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information visit: vido.org

Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.