Research Animal Training Coordinator

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT

The Research Animal Training Coordinator assists in the development and implementation of basic husbandry, veterinary and technical skills training at the Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM), supporting the Mass General Research Institute’s biomedical program. Trainings will range from one-on-one sessions to small group instruction for departmental staff and research investigators. The training coordinator must have the ability to effectively implement training approaches to a diverse audience of adult learners and have strong knowledge and/or experience in the care and use of laboratory animals. Experience with USDA covered lab animal species is preferred.

For more information about CCM, visit: https://www.massgeneral.org/research/for-researchers/research-management/ccm

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the CCM Training Program Manager to create, implement, and maintain programs for CCM staff and customers on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and basic veterinary technical skills.

• Conduct hands-on training and assessment of CCM and MGH investigative staff, evaluating proficiency as outlined in the approved training packages. Provide follow-up training as needed.

• Maintain and update training database.

• Assist in the maintenance/revision of training content.

• Conduct training of new staff members, in collaboration with lead technicians in each facility, to assure standardized techniques are implemented and consistent across the department.

• Coach and mentor CCM lead technicians to develop skills to train other staff members.

• Utilize lean management continuous improvement tools, such as value stream mapping and lean problem solving, to improve tools and approaches for delivering trainings.

• Comply with CCM and MGH policies and procedures.

• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, including document writing, presentations, emails, and speaking.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word required.

• Ability to give presentations and train groups of people with diverse backgrounds and language skills, and to adjust training styles based on the audience.

• Has a customer-focused attitude and enjoys working with similarly dedicated persons in a team fashion within a high-energy research environment.

• Ability to work independently and with teams.

• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Proven track record of working cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups at various skill levels and a wide range of abilities.

• Self-starter with strong sense of ownership and involvement.

• Willing to pursue continuous improvement in the duties described above, including but not limited to additional training and continuing education opportunities as they may arise.

  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field preferred. May consider work experience in combination with certifications and lesser degrees in lieu of degree.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience training in and practicing animal husbandry and veterinary care techniques.

• Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the ALAT level preferred

• Demonstrated ability to train and educate.