Animal Research Associate I, In Vivo Pharmacology & PK

Work Requirement

This role is full-time onsite, based out of our Vancouver laboratory, as well as our Vivarium located at UBC. 

Key Responsibilities

• Applies preclinical in vivo mouse pharmacology models to enable translation of cancer therapies.
• Handles mice (awake and/or under gaseous anesthetic, or after euthanasia) including subcutaneous, intraperitoneal and intravenous injections, frequent tumor/bodyweight measurements, blood and tissue collection.
• Performs regular health monitoring and routine care of mice. 
• Prepares drugs using sterile BSL procedures for administration to mice.
• Thaws, prepares, and injects human immune cells via intravenous injection into mice.
• Performs mouse study-related administrative tasks including regulatory documentation and inputting scientific data records.
• Coordinates ex-vivo sample management including sample receipt/collection, organization, and archiving. Maintains complete and accurate records throughout the process. 
• Maintains high levels of productivity, organization, and teamwork in the laboratory, including the use of inventory management systems.
• Documents detailed observations, variances methods, raw and analyzed data and results. 
• Maintains workspace (laboratory and animal facility rooms) and performs routine duties to keep areas stocked, clean, neat and in efficient operational order.
• Updates lab and vivarium inventory, orders reagents as needed.
• Effectively organizes and schedules activities in the animal facility and/or laboratory with teammates.
• Conducts all activities in accordance with scientific standards, Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and OH&S regulations and established policies and practices.
• Fosters effective and collaborative working relationships with fellow employees and management.
• Mammalian tissue culture, including maintaining multiple tumor cell lines using sterile technique, and expanding, cryopreserving, and thawing cell lines.
• Support routine analysis of biological samples using ELISA and MSD assays as needed.
• Collect, document and process blood samples for downstream analysis.
• Assist with isolation and culture of lymphocyte populations from mouse organs for pharmacodynamic analysis as needed.
• Helps prepare basic written reports of experiments. Consults with others for data interpretation. Communicates results to working group.
   

Education and Experience

• BSc in a scientific discipline or Veterinary Technician Diploma and hands-on experience in mouse husbandry and veterinary techniques.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a cross-functional team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a high paced, fast changing environment. Results-oriented.
• Working knowledge of regulations, standards and guidelines for care and use of vertebrate animals in research (CCAC guidelines) and animal care protocols.
• Commitment to performing work with the highest regard for animal welfare.
• Consistent and diligent attention to detail and excellent record keeping skills.
• Dedicated work ethic and flexibility to work full-time alone and/or in a small team in an animal facility.
• Proven track record of working with and direct handling of small animal models (rodents) and performing procedures associated with test article administration and sample collection is preferred.
• Ability to consistently perform tail vein injections to produce reproducible results is beneficial
• Experience with mouse tumor models, including xenografts, in vitro cell culture techniques and/or immunological assays and syngeneic model experience is an advantage.
• Embody and champion Zymeworks’ values: Act with Integrity. Collaborate. Care.
• Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict confidentiality on matters that require discretion.