Animal Technical Assistant (heo 3)

About the Role

 

We are seeking an Animal Technician to join the Research and Innovation Services team. You will ensure that all animals used in research at the University of South Australia are housed and cared for in accordance with best practice and legislative requirements. You will provide research animal care, supporting the day-to-day operations of the Core Animal Facility, and ensuring users/visitors comply with Facility policies and procedures and legislative requirements. 

About UniSA’s Research and Innovation Services unit 

The Research and Innovation Services unit provides support for the management of research and administers internal and national competitive research grants. It is also responsible for ensuring the responsible and ethical conduct of research, for the management of centralised research facilities and for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to improve the quality of the experience and outcomes for postgraduate research students. 

The Core Animal Facility is a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility to house and care for animals used for research purposes. 

Core Responsibilities

Undertake daily animal husbandry duties including feeding, cleaning and housing of animals, infection control procedures, autoclaving and undertaking breeding of specific lines where required 

Perform a range of duties including preparation for surgery, participating in animal experiments and post-mortems, providing post-operative care, gavage feeding, and venepuncture and injection procedures 

Undertake quality control of the animals including health monitoring, daily observation and routine clinical examination for abnormality or disease. Ensure the appropriate Supervisor is kept informed of the health of the animals 

Enter and maintain detailed records of all animal experimental procedures, numbers and experimental lines to ensure compliance with the UniSA Animal Ethics Committee, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator and Department of Agriculture Approved Arrangement requirements 

Monitor all Animal Facility equipment to ensure it is working correctly, and ensure all stakeholders comply with Standard Operating Procedures 

Essential Skills and Experience  

Demonstrated experience working in an animal facility or a relevant tertiary qualification 

Experience with laboratory animal care (including handling, breeding, and injections) and a good understanding of ethical issues and animal welfare in a research/laboratory environment 

Knowledge of WHS guidelines inherent to laboratory and research activities 

Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with a diverse range of people internal and external to the University 

Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment 

Benefits

Getting a great job working with the best is just the start. UniSA rewards its staff with a wide variety of benefits such as:

Access to great personal development opportunities

Generous superannuation contributions of 17%

Flexible working conditions

Employee assistance and development programs

Staff study support

A variety of leave arrangements 

Culture 

As a University of Enterprise, we offer a dynamic and agile workplace culture, one that embraces challenges and thrives on breaking new ground. Our staff are creative and innovative thinkers, communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. We embrace diversity and inclusion in a vibrant, engaging environment. Our people are authentic, resilient, and influential, and we deliver results.