Colony Lead, Laboratory Animal Resources

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position Description:

We are seeking a Colony Lead to work in a dynamic team environment, reporting to our Director, Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) Core. We are seeking a self-motivated individual who is detail-oriented, highly organized, flexible in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, capable of adopting new technologies, and has great time-management skills. The person will be responsible for the management of breeding colonies, veterinary care, study support, and assisting with the training program.

Responsibilities:

• Veterinary Care

• Make recommendations as the Attending Veterinarian (AV) designee and perform clinical health assessments and treatments as described in SOPs and IACUC protocols

• Observe health conditions of animals, recognize and report common signs of clinical illness and/or irregularities in animal behavior

• Make recommendations on treatment based on established health protocols and approved protocols

• Surgical or post-procedural observations and support for research staff

• Aging colony observations and care under the direction of the AV

• Execute colony health surveillance under the direction of the AV

• Execute rodent quarantine program in collaboration with the VM and AV

• Maintain colony health surveillance, quarantine, and environmental testing results

• Breeding Colony Support

• Assist in the maintenance of rodent colonies at the direction of Principal Investigator and Core labs

• Record keeping: Maintain accurate breeding and health records database

• Genotyping: Facilitate sample collection, submission, and processing with external vendors

• Perform breeding colony tasks including, but not limited to, setting up matings, sexing, weaning and identification of mice; daily health/pregnancy checks, daily facility checks, cage changes, and sanitation

• Provide rotational weekend/holiday coverage as needed

• GEMS Procurement & Receiving

• Coordinate and receive animal shipments from external GEMs lines, including management of colony data, confirmatory genotyping, and follow up on concerns/discrepancies

• In-Vivo Study Support

• Assist scientists and Core labs with their projects, which may include independently executing study support, assisting during technical procedures, clinical evaluations or behavioral assessments, performing necropsies or tissue collection, at the direction of research lab or AV

• May perform dosing, blood collection, body weight collection in support of research projects

• Document experimental data in technical notebooks or approved electronic files including activities undertaken, existing conditions, observed results and variation from expected data patterns

• Training

• Coordinate LAR team training events and update training records

• Train husbandry and/or scientific staff in basic breeding techniques (sexing, weaning, genotyping, synched peak setups, pregnancy/plug checks), and in-vivo technical procedures related to genotyping and animal identification

• Train husbandry staff on techniques related to colony health surveillance, weaning and sexing

• May provide colony management software training to research staff

• SOP & Protocols

• Review or assist in the revision of SOPs and IACUC protocols

• Perform all other related duties as assigned

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s (B.S) or equivalent in animal or life science or related discipline

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the care, handling, and treatment of laboratory animals, including broad skills in husbandry and record-keeping

• Experience in rodent colony health, clinical assessment, and veterinary interventions

• Experience in the handling, management, and/or breeding of traditional and transgenic rodents

• AALAS LAT certification or higher preferred

• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient with Google Suite, MS Suite, MacOS, PC Windows, and colony management software

• Effectively collaborate with key support groups, core labs, and PI labs

• Must be willing to work onsite 5 days a week

The estimated base salary range for this role is $115,000 - $120,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.