Cage Wash Assistant Supervisor

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7139881 (Ref.No. hh-62195BR)
Posted: April 14, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Description
The Cage Wash Assistant 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 Cage Wash Assistant Supervisor reports to the Animal Care Facility Supervisor, and collaborates with HCCM colleagues to develop, implement, and confirm adherence to standard operating procedures for animal care operations.
 
The Cage Wash Assistant Supervisor directly supervises approximately 10 Cage Washers (Animal Tech I). This position requires communicating effectively with multiple groups, including animal care, cage wash, and veterinary staff; other departments (e.g. Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities / Operations), and various service groups and subcontractors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Under the direction of the Animal Care Facility Supervisor, manage HCCM Cage Wash Staff to ensure outstanding service, safe and efficient cage wash operations, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Assist with personnel management, including performance management, corrective and disciplinary action, and involvement in the new hire selection process and onboarding.
  • Establish work assignments, monitor workflow, and maintain an adequate inventory of facility-related supplies.
  • Assist in the development, review, and implementation of SOPs relating to cage wash operations.
  • Recognize, report, and address deficiencies with cage wash equipment, and help develop and implement interim solutions in the event of major equipment failure.
  • Provide training to Cage Wash Staff to ensure proficiency in areas of responsibility and adherence to standard operating procedures.
  • Help maintain records and reports for quality assurance, throughput data collection, equipment and supply inventories, and attendance.
  • Help ensure a safe work environment and promote a culture of safety with the support of Environmental Health and Safety.
  • Assist with coordination of animal facility repairs and renovations in collaboration with the Animal Care Facility Supervisor and Managers, building manager, and others to ensure minimal impact on HCCM personnel, operations, research colonies, and ongoing studies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
  • High school graduate or equivalent with at least 2 years experience in laboratory animal care operations and/or a similar high-throughput, complex assembly-line manufacturing system required.
  • Specialized education beyond high school may count toward work experience.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required; one must be able to communicate effectively with and relate to various personnel throughout the University.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Familiarity with cage wash equipment and management/supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with lean management and process improvement preferred.
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task are required.
  • Successful candidates will be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Must be proficient in a variety of software programs (word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database applications).
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.

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

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

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to complete an attestation of having received their primary series COVID-19 vaccination prior to hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Individuals may request exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons prior to completing the hiring process. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

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

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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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.