Position Objective: Provide services as an Animal Biologist (Small Animal) in support of the overall functions of the Clinical Center (CC) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The purpose of this position is to perform and train veterinary procedures to laboratory and research scientists and fellows and assist in therapeutic ultrasound procedures in experimental animals including mice, and rats; operating computer and laboratory equipment; aid in the development of Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) protocols; participate in the planning of and performs research studies; ordering and maintaining the necessary supplies for laboratory imaging use; demonstrate the proper use and methods associated with MRI scanners and associated software and develop new methods and procedures or substantially modify existing guideline to resolve technical problems.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Study the principles of living systems, with particular focus on the effects on animal biology, veterinary medicine, imaging techniques and ancillary laboratory equipment and up to date with the current Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) for appropriate care of animals. Maintain and update animal protocols for new and existing techniques. 1
- Prepares animals for experimental imaging and therapeutic studies including anesthesia, shave, Nair, injection catheters, physiological monitoring, retro-orbital infusion, intraarterial infusion, intracardiac injection, subcutaneous tumor implantation, intraperitoneal injection, surgical techniques, necropsies, blood and tissue sample collection, and proper disposal of animal carcasses. 2
- Maintain spreadsheet of experiment animal records and clinical care/observations.
- Handle, dissect and euthanize animals.
- Handle experimental animals including tail vein injections, administration of anesthesia and monitoring of animal viral signs.
- Perform experiments and maintain primary tissues and cells in culture, utilizing sterile techniques.
- Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining and immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence techniques and perform analysis of animal tissues; prepare frozen slices and paraffin section, appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures and performs light and confocal microscopy. 4
- Carry out molecular biological experiments, including cell culture, tissue homogenization, protein and RNA extraction techniques, multiplex enzyme-linker immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, RT-PCR, tissue handling and flow cytometry. 3
- Work with staff to process tissue for immunohistochemistry.
- Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, quantitative analysis; data analysis, figure preparation, and image acquisition; maintain complete and detailed records of all experiments and interpret data. 5
- Clean Equipment – Daily.
- Meet with lab members to present updates – Weekly.
- Attend lab meetings – Weekly.
- Maintain files on studies being performed in the lab - Bi-Weekly.
- Prepare data and images for use in research presentations and publications - Bi-Weekly.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, nuclear, industrial radiology, and biological technologies or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of computers including an understanding of computer hardware, knowledge of a variety of operating systems.
- Knowledge of magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) safety standards, Therapeutic Ultrasound, imaging physics, devices, and techniques that effect imaging technique.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.
- Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.
GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.
This position is contingent upon contract award.
