Complex Trait Group: Animal Health Technician for the mouse ENU-mutagenesis Core.
The Animal Science Technician will be working in the group of Dr. Philippe Gros (Department of Biochemistry). The candidate will be mainly in charge of the activities of the mouse ENU-mutagenesis Core directed by Dr. Silvia Vidal. The goal of the mouse ENU-mutagenesis core is to produce large libraries of mice that have been chemically (ENU) mutagenized, which are to be characterized in partnership with McGill collaborators. This position is position for a replacement of maternity leave until December 2012 with possible extended deadline. Full time replacement is preferred, but we are opened to discuss other arrangements.
Under the direction of Dr. Vidal, the technician will be in charge of (but not limited to):
- ensuring compliance with safety regulations and proper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous material
- breeding 3-generation pedigrees (G1, G2 and G3) of ENU-treated mice
- identifying mice (ear tags and/or ear punches) and cages (bar codes)
- carefully maintaining husbandry records into a computer-based relational database
- verifying the animals’ state of health and performing basic examinations (daily)
- collecting and storing tail biopsies, and maintaining storage records into a computer-based relational database
- performing euthanasia if/when required
- assuming the responsibility of handling and moving the animals towards the facility of the Core users
The technician may also be asked to:
-handle infectious pathogens (bacteria, virus, parasite), which are used in the current infectious screens of ENU-treated mice
-provide assistance during infections via the tail vain, intra-muscular or intraperitoneal injections
-provide assistance during blood samples collection either from the cheek, tail or saphenous vein in longitudinal studies, or intra-cardiac puncture at necropsy
-prepare laboratory solutions/reagents
-prepare genomic DNA from tail biopsie and perform basic molecular biology tasks including PCR and agarose gel elecrophoresis.
Required skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, excellent organizational skills for management of multiple priorities, multi-tasking, and prioritizing for time-sensitive issues and working under minimal supervision, demonstrates versatility. The candidate will be proficient in PC and spreadsheet work, will be able to work on a tight schedule, and will be able to work in a cooperative team environment as well as independently.
This position requires to be flexible in regards to working hours and to be proficient in English and French (spoken/written).
Qualifications:
DEC + 2 years experience animal health technician
Experience preferred but not mandatory. New graduates are welcomed to apply.
Yearly salary:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Contact:
Please send your CV and cover letter to