Animal Care Fac. Supervisor

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7116856 (Ref.No. 60369BR)
Posted: November 27, 2022
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Description
The Animal Care Facility Supervisor will ensure that assigned Harvard Center for Comparative Medicine (HCCM) facilities and personnel are compliant with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, and the standards set forth in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Public Health Service Policy, and AAALAC International. The Animal Care Facility Supervisor reports to the Senior Manager of Animal Care Operations, and collaborates with HCCM colleagues to develop, implement, and confirm adherence to standard operating procedures for animal care and cage wash operations.

The Animal Care Facility Supervisor directly supervises the Animal Care Assistant Supervisor and/or Cage Wash Assistant Supervisor assigned to their facility; indirect reports include roughly 10-20 Animal Care and Cage Wash Technicians. This position requires communicating effectively at a variety of levels ranging from tenured faculty, senior administrative staff, and clinical veterinarians to animal care and cage wash staff.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manage HCCM Animal Facility Staff to ensure outstanding animal care, safe and efficient operations, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Under the guidance of the Senior Manager of Animal Care Operations, oversee personnel management for Animal Facility Staff, including performance management, corrective and disciplinary action, and involvement in the new hire selection process and on-boarding.
  • Work with the Assistant Supervisor(s) to establish work assignments, monitor workflow, and maintain adequate inventory of animal feed, bedding, enrichment, and other facility-related supplies.
  • Provide customer service to researchers to support their research needs as they relate to animal husbandry, supply requests, facility orientation and access, space needs, etc.
  • Assist in the development, review, and implementation of SOPs as relating to animal care and cage wash operations.
  • Provide training to Animal Facility Staff to ensure proficiency in areas of responsibility and adherence to standard operating procedures.
  • Develop and maintain records and reports for multiple areas of responsibility, including animal husbandry, animal census, equipment validation, equipment inventories, and attendance.
  • In collaboration with the Senior Manager of Animal Care Operations, work with Environmental Health and Safety staff to ensure a safe work environment and promote a culture of safety.
  • Provide oversight to assigned HCCM satellite areas.
  • Work closely with HCCM Veterinary Staff and Procurement to coordinate the movement of animals and assist with colony health surveillance.
  • Oversee and coordinate animal facility repairs and renovations in collaboration with the Senior Manager of Animal Care Operations and Facility Support Manager, building manager, project managers, and others to ensure minimal impact to HCCM personnel, operations, research colonies, and ongoing studies.
  • Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications
  • A minimum of 4 years’ work experience in animal care facilities management with an increasing level of responsibility in work history.
  • Minimum of 1 year in a supervisory role.
  • Experience working with rodents required.
  • Specialized education beyond high school may count toward work experience.
  • Must be eligible for LATg certification.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • A Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Life Science (animal, biological or physical sciences) or equivalent experience preferred.
  • LATg certification preferred.
  • Experience working in an ABSL-2 facility and/or with non-human primates preferred.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task required.
  • Successful candidate will be self-motivated and able to work independently making sound judgments and using discretion with confidential information.
  • Must be proficient in a variety of software programs (word processing, spreadsheet and/or database applications).
  • The successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
Additional Information
This position is considered to be essential personnel for Harvard Center for Comparative Medicine. Weekend and holiday work may be required as well as attendance during school closures during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:
  • Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, incredibly affordable classes directly at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
  • Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
  • Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.
  • Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Harvard Medical School strives to cultivate an environment that promotes inclusiveness and collaboration among students, faculty and staff and to create new avenues for discussion that will advance our shared mission to improve the health of people throughout the world.