Cage Wash (CW) Technician position in support of PsychoGenics (PGI) vivarium operations. CW tasks are performed in compliance with PGI Animal Care and Use Program Description, according to Animal Welfare regulations, AAALAC International standard, PHS OLAW Assurance, and NJS regulations.  

Main Responsibilities: 

• Adhere to and comply with established standard operating procedures related to assigned work area.  
• Maintain cage wash operations in meeting daily workload requirements, to include cleaning and preparing animal cages, providing caging supplies filling cage and caging supply requests, and maintaining other vivarium equipment for use and cleaning processes.  
• Operate cage wash, bottle washer, water filtration systems, autoclave, and floor scrubbing machines properly following safety guidelines.  
• Maintain and sanitize cage wash equipment and machines, cleanliness of cage wash rooms, and cleaning and sanitization of assigned vivarium areas.  
• Maintain adequate personal protective equipment, and room supplies in work area by monitoring levels, and restocking as required.  
• Assist with environmental monitoring, and pest control programs.  
• Maintain accurate work area documentation, and room logs, vivarium experimental rooms, and support areas, monitor room conditions including temperature, humidity, and lighting as required.  
• Assist in some rodent animal husbandry tasks as required, such as receive shipments of animals, receipt of food and bedding and other vivarium supplies, pack and dispose of vivarium waste, and euthanasia procedures as required. 

Qualifications: 

• Excellent communication skills, positive attitude, team player. 
• Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and push/pull heavy equipment carts in a safe manner. 
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, or crouch while working. 
• Availability to work on weekends and holidays as required to maintain compliance in animal care, providing oversight of animals 24/7. 
• High school diploma or GED preferred, computer skills a plus. 
• ALAT certification to be obtained within 24 months of hire. 

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

Overview of Position:  The Quality Assurance (QA) IACUC Coordinator will report to the Vice President, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs and IO, to assist in providing a critical interface between the scientific community, training activities, and research support, ensuring in accordance with federal, state, local and Institutional requirements. The QA IACUC Coordinator will serve as a liaison of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), assisting the IACUC Chair, assuming an administrative and professional role that will require continuous contact with individuals at all levels of the organization on a variety of complex issues.

 

Main Responsibilities:

• Support and assist the IACUC Chair with the direct oversight of the protocol review and approval process, providing administrative support to the Committee, and accurate and timely IACUC correspondence.
• Conduct post-approval monitoring of rodent behavioral and technical procedures in accordance with approved IACUC protocols, the final study plan, and SOPs, in an AAALAC International accredited facility.
• Receives IACUC protocol and amendment submission from the scientific staff providing initial reviews for accuracy, completeness and compliance with company policies, Institutional requirements, and State/Federal regulations prior to submission to the IACUC.
• Oversees all aspects of the IACUC review cycle from initial intake of the protocol to final approval. Providing timely and accurate guidance to Investigators on preparation and submission of new protocol applications, and protocol amendments and/or revisions.
• Prepares and distributes meeting agendas and compliance related materials for committee review.
• Oversees the recording and production of official minutes of all IACUC meetings; performs editorial review of minutes to ensure proper documentation of IACUC actions.
• Maintains current IACUC policies and protocol documents in the company files and in the IACUC data manager system, overseeing training documentation of staff’s protocol and SOP review.
• Coordinates and participates in IACUC semi-annual facility inspections, assisting in preparation of inspection records, and evaluation of current practices and procedures.
• Recommend changes or modifications to vivarium and laboratory procedures to facilitate compliance with PsychoGenics Program Description, IACUC protocols, program methods, and SOPs.
• Collect and compile information for annual regulatory report preparation.
• Assists in reviewing, writing, and maintaining up-to-date SOPs and controlled documents for the QA unit.
• Promotes company polices and operating procedures, to maintain a compliant and safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned by QA management.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological or Life Sciences, or related field, or Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, with at least 3 years relevant IACUC and/or professional experience in animal research, or veterinary medicine, or a Master’s degree with at least 2 years work experience.
• Working knowledge of AAALAC standard, PHS OLAW, and AW regulations, Federal regulations, and state laws related to IACUC and animal welfare, governing live animal research. Familiar with EPA, FDA, GLP regulations, and commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the QA field specific to preclinical rodent research.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, to work under supervision, to work independently with minimal supervision, and to work effectively as a team member.
• Focused and well-organized with strong attention to detail. Good problem-solving skills and ability to multitask.
• Familiarity with animal research protocols, post approval monitoring, and IACUC procedures.
• Must possess the ability to read and understand scientific documents such as animal research protocols, regulations, and policies. Must be able to record and maintain essential records for a regulated environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal, collaborative, and customer service skills including the ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituent population.
• Proficient computer skills: including MS Office applications, MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, and data manager systems.
• Essential to display sensitivity to the confidential nature of IACUC and QA work. Ability to function in a fast-paced, high growth work environment, exercise good judgement, and possess a positive attitude.
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), as integral to this role will be scheduled visits to areas and the facilities where IACUC approved activities occur.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• AALAS certification at a LAT (Laboratory Animal Technician) or higher level.
• Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA) certification.

 

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

Job Overview: The lab assistant will provide operations support to  research staff  

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare biological sample collection tubes (labeling, QC)
• Prepare biological samples for shipment (QC, shipment packing)
• Support shipment logistics (domestic and international) with various couriers
• Organization and maintenance of the wet labs, including freezers/refrigerators
• Inventory of lab supplies and consumables

Job Qualifications:

• Experience working in a laboratory in a professional setting
• Experience working with lab equipment
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Ability to work in both a group setting and independently
• Experience with Microsoft excel
• Excellent attention to detail
• Research and analysis skills
• Neat handwriting

Education:

• • Associates degree with a minimum of 2 years working in a research/laboratory setting or Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 1 year working in a research/laboratory setting.

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

Overview of Position:

As a Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technician, the incumbent will be responsible for providing support to senior veterinary staff, Directors of Animal Care, Breeding Colonies and research staff in the care and use of research animals in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)  approved research studies. Under report to the Director of Breeding and Veterinary Services and with guidance from the responsible VP for Veterinary Operations, this position provides veterinary care and support for the laboratory animal population including day to day health monitoring and maintenance, training of investigative staff in animal techniques and providing assistance in ongoing research studies. Responsibilities include veterinary care supporting where appropriate the Directors of Animal Care and Breeding Colonies of genetically engineered and/or specific pathogen free laboratory rodents, laboratory animal behavior management and environmental enrichment, animal health and wellbeing, collaboration and support for ongoing research studies, experimental procedures, and surgery for all housed laboratory species.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Daily health checks and rounds to include examination of flagged veterinary issues by animal care staff.  Diagnose and treat as per recommendations by staff veterinarians in consultation with the principal investigator
• Timely reporting of animal health and welfare issues to staff veterinarians and principal investigator so that appropriate action is taken
• House quarantine animals and perform required testing
• Assist in compliance with approved animal safety protocols involving administration and use of hazards in animals including biosafety protocols
• Perform testing and reports required for exports to be signed by staff veterinarians as appropriate
• Sample submissions and packaging to appropriate contract lab
• Maintain and stock procedure rooms/surgery rooms. Report on procedure conditions required for surgery and cleanup by the responsible research staff
• Maintain PVC kits used to treat clinical cases
• Maintain, document use, and distribute noncontrolled substances/drugs -place orders as needed
• Assist in maintaining appropriate post-operative care
• Train staff in veterinary techniques such as routes of drug administration, surgery preparation, and anesthesia in rodent survival surgery
• Write/update SOPs under guidance of the VP for Veterinary Operations
• Organize scheduling of PMs on all animal procedure equipment
• Quarterly & semiannual sentinel testing
• Perform routine (quarterly/semi-annual) ATP testing of behavioral equipment
• Assist with autoclaving instruments and supplies for surgery
• Provide support for maintaining breeding colonies as assigned

 

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience with laboratory animal procedures
• Licensed Veterinary Technician or AALAS Certified Laboratory Animal Technologist

Job Overview: The Laboratory Safety Specialist is tasked with assisting with the maintenance of the laboratory safety program at PGI. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and will assist with establishing and implementing program priorities in accordance with PGI’s strategic initiative. This position will collaborate with various scientific groups and departments such as Vivarium Operations to promote best management practices throughout the Paramus site. The Lab Safety Specialist will be responsible for providing administrative oversight and for assisting in the management of laboratory safety operations, services, and programs. Develop, maintain, and promote policies and procedures for laboratory safety, and ensure the site is in accordance with pertinent local, state, and federal health and safety regulations and Company policies. The incumbent will implement effective and ongoing quality improvement, including but not limited to chemical tracking, database management, laboratory inspections, biosafety registration review and coordination, waste management, and training.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist in the yearly maintenance of the area’s Chemical Hygiene Plan;
• Assist in the writing and maintenance of specific standard operating procedures (SOPs);
• Conducting site inspections and perform risk assessments for chemical, physical, and biological hazards;
• Assess training needs. Develop, conduct, and maintain records for safety training.
• Incident investigation and mitigation. Know the proper steps for reporting incidents.
• Be familiar with hazardous waste requirements and storage. Perform weekly inspections of satellite waste containers and main accumulation area(s);
• Coordinates pick up of hazardous waste materials from all science laboratories;
• Coordinate and review biosafety committee registrations for completeness and accuracy. Plan and scheduling meetings. Writing minutes and agendas. Assisting PIs or supervisors with registration submissions;
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related area Chemistry, Biology, or Environmental Sciences

• Broad based knowledge of laboratory procedures, biological hazards, chemical hazards, and laboratory safety.

• Minimum of two 2-4 years appropriate EHS experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional, collaborative, service-oriented, cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, customers, the public, regulatory agencies and co-workers through practical and positive communication;
• Ability to work independently and organize/prioritize assignments;
• Ability to work with a diverse population and foster a collaborative work environment;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and actively on complex topics and to convey risks effectively;
• Ability to simplify guidance for staff, and to prepare thoroughly documented technical reports, excellent oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare professional-quality presentations, speak clearly and engagingly about complex issues before small and large groups of diverse audiences;
• Ability to perform safety investigations, operations surveys, emergency response; ability to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment.

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

Overview of Position: 

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Associate in behavioral neuroscience.  The successful candidate will work in a team of scientists and researchers supporting the preclinical studies using rodent models and tests.  The primary responsibilities of the candidate will include, but are not limited to, conducting preclinical research of drug abuse liability, pain, cognition, and other assays as needed. The candidate will be responsible for behavioral studies and/or surgeries, proper execution of experiments and preliminary data analysis. The candidate must be capable of working both across teams and independently. 

Main Responsibilities: 

• Execution of rodent studies in behavioral pharmacology pain assays  
• Execution of rodent surgeries in relevant studies  
• Preliminary experimental data analysis and creating draft study report

Qualifications: 

• A Bachelors or Masters degree in life sciences, neuroscience, or psychology  
• 2+ years of laboratory and behavioral experience with rats and/or mice 
• Dosing experience (IP, SC, PO, etc.) 
• Knowledge of pain assays and/or surgical skills desirable 
• Able to work well in a group atmosphere as well as independently 
• Good organization and troubleshooting skills 
• High level of commitment, excellent motivation to perform and to learn 
• Able to comprehend and comply with all SOP and IACUC, safety and quality assurance protocols 
• Computer skills on Microsoft Office and statistical software 

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

Overview of Position: 

We are looking for a highly motivated Researcher in behavioral neuroscience. The successful candidate will work in a team of scientists and researchers supporting the preclinical studies using rodent models and tests. The primary responsibilities of the candidate will include, but are not limited to, conducting preclinical research of drug abuse liability, pain, cognition, and other assays as needed. The candidate will be responsible for behavioral studies and/or surgeries, proper execution of experiments and preliminary data analysis. The candidate must be capable of working both across teams and independently. 

Main Responsibilities: 

• Execution of rodent studies in behavioral pharmacology assays
• Execution of rodent surgeries in relevant studies
• Preliminary experimental data analysis and creating draft study report

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelors orMastersdegree in life sciences, neuroscience, or psychology 
• Minimum 3 + years behavioral experience with rats 
• Minimum 3 + years surgery experience with rats 
• Dosing experience with rats (IP, SC, PO, etc.)
• Able to work well in a group atmosphere as well as independently
• Good organization and troubleshooting skills
• High level of commitment, excellent motivation to perform and to learn
• Able to comprehend and comply with all SOP and IACUC, safety and quality assurance protocols
• Computer skills on Microsoft Office and statistical software

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

Overview of Position:

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Research Associate in behavioral neuroscience.  The successful candidate will work in a team of scientists and researchers supporting preclinical studies using rodent models and tests.  The main responsibilities of the candidate will include, but are not limited to, conducting preclinical research primarily in the area of pain, and other behavioral assays as needed. The candidate will be responsible for surgeries and/or behavioral studies, proper execution of experiments, and preliminary data analysis. The candidate must be capable of working across teams and independently.  

Main Responsibilities: 

• Execution of rodent studies in behavioral pharmacology, including pain-related endpoints (e.g., von Frey filaments, dynamic weight bearing, guarding behavior) and behavioral testing (e.g., rotarod, Irwin observation) 
•  Execution of rodent surgeries in relevant studies, especially established pain models (e.g., Brennan, spinal nerve ligation) 
• Preliminary experimental data analysis and drafting of study reports 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelors or Masters degree in life sciences, neuroscience, or psychology   
• 5+ years of laboratory and behavioral experience with rats  
• 2 – 3 years minimum experience with extensive and relevant rat surgeries and/or with a variety of behavioral tests with rats, including pain models and their endpoints 
• Rat dosing experience (IP, SC, PO, etc.) 
• Able to work well in a group atmosphere as well as independently 
• Good organizational and troubleshooting skills 
• High level of commitment, excellent motivation to perform and learn 
• Able to comprehend and comply with all SOP and IACUC, safety and quality assurance protocols 
• Computer skills on Microsoft Office and graphing/statistical software

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

We are looking for a highly motivated Researcher in our Breeding team.  The breeding team is responsible for the breeding and maintenance of several transgenic mouse and rat models in order to ensure an available supply of experimental subjects with the desired characteristics important in the planning and execution of contract work. The Research Associate must be able to account for every rodent in the colony using company database and maintain clear and accurate files.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary tasks performed on a daily basis in mice and rats include:

• Setting up breedings
• Checking for plugs
• Identifying neonates
• Ear notching, toe tattooing, tail tattooing, ear tagging, weaning
• Sacrificing animals
• Identifying/treating common rodent health issues
• Sentinel blood collection/processing
• Assessment of all animal active health cases as part of the Program of Veterinary Care
• Review, comprehend and consistently comply with all SOPs and IACUC, safety and quality assurance standards related to assigned work area at all times

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences discipline
• 1-2 years of rodent handling and breeding experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and multitasking skills
• Excellent communication skills with the willingness and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Availability for occasional weekend work

OVERVIEW OF POSITION: We are looking for a highly motivated Researcher in our Electrophysiology team.  The successful candidate will work in a team of scientists and researchers supporting preclinical studies using rodent models. The candidate must be capable of working both across teams and independently.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Solutions preparation
• Brain slices preparation (vibratom, chopper)
• Perform field potential recordings
• Study coordination
• Test article dosing using various routes of administration (IP, SC, PO) including test article formulation
• Data handling (graphing and analyzing data), communication of results to manager
• Adhere to and comply with IACUC and SOPs related to assigned work area
• Record and manage all procedures, data and notes in a laboratory notebook
• Wet lab upkeep and organization, consumables ordering

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS or MS degree in neuroscience or a life sciences discipline
• 1-3 years of laboratory experience with rodents and rodent handling skills
• Attention to detail, strong organization, multitasking and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the desire to succeed in a collaborative work environment
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment and to pick up new skills quickly

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Experience with field potential recordings
  • Experience with basic pharmacology and drug preparations
  • Experience with dosing rodents (IP, SC, PO)

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

Overview of Position:   

We are looking for a highly motivated Researcher in our neuropharmacology group.  The successful candidate will work in a team of scientists and researchers supporting preclinical studies using rodent models. The primary responsibilities of the candidate will include, but are not limited to, dosing animals, conducting behavioral assessments, and dissection and tissue collection. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating studies and the proper execution of experiments. The candidate must be capable of working both across teams and independently. 

Job Responsibilities:  Tasks performed with rodents may include: 

• Test article dosing using various routes of administration (IP, SC, PO)  
• Behavioral testing; learning and memory, anxiety, and/or motor assessments 
• Tissue collection (anatomical dissection of brain region, along with peripheral organs and muscles)  
• Data handling (graphing and analyzing data) 
• Study coordination (preparing run sheets and mix sheets, creating shipping manifests)  

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences, neuroscience, or related field 
• 1-3 years of laboratory and behavioral experience with rodents 
• Animal handling skills and knowledge of rodent behavioral models 
• Attention to detail, strong organization, multitasking and troubleshooting skills 
• Able to work well in a group atmosphere, as well as independently 
• High level of commitment, excellent motivation to perform and to learn 
• Able to comprehend and comply with all SOP and IACUC, and to follow safety and quality assurance protocols, as well as question and/or report any deviations to study protocols 
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment and to pick up new skills quickly 
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with dosing rodents (IP, SC, PO) 
• Experience with behavioral testing such as Open Field, RotaRod, Tapered Beam, Irwin, or Fear Conditioning 

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

This position is for a Research Associate for the Behavioral Pharmacology / SmartCube group at PsychoGenics, working primarily with mice (level of Research Associate commensurate with experience). 

Main responsibilities:  

Primary tasks performed on a daily basis include but are not limited to: 

• Compound weighing and formulation 
• Compound dosing using various routes of administration, occasional rat dosing 
• Behavioral testing with hardware maintenance 
• Data handling, tissue collection, and colony maintenance 
• Review, comprehend and comply with all SOP’s and IACUC, safety and quality assurance standards related to assigned work area at all times 

Required qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences preferably related to behavior, pharmacology or psychology 
• Organization, multi-tasking, trouble shooting, and deductive reasoning skills 
• Experience handling rodents 
• Willingness and ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel 
• Ability to work on your feet for 8 hours per day as well as lift up to 20 lbs 
• Availability for night and weekend shift work required 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Experience in dosing of small animals (preferably mice) in a laboratory setting 

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:  Responsible for custodial needs of the PGI Paramus site.  Monitor and assist with ordering consumable supplies as required for the vivarium operations, clean and organize stock rooms. Assist with delivering packages. Stock PPE for entire site. Sweep and mop floors in designated areas.  Review, comprehend and comply with all SOPs, IACUC protocols, safety and quality assurance standards, as related to the assigned work area, assist cage wash and animal care staff with moving caging, sanitizing colony, surgery, and testing rooms.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Custodial, and Cage Assembly Duties

• Basic sanitation and maintenance of experimental and procedure rooms.
• Maintain accurate vivarium documentation and room logs as required.
• Monitor room conditions including temperature, humidity, lighting, and pest control.
• Maintain adequate supplies by monitoring levels, perform restocks as required.
• Notifies supervisor of any non-compliance issues.
• Clean equipment following established standard operating procedures.
• Disposes of Vivarium waste and carcasses in accordance with established protocols.
• Performs additional cleaning or husbandry duties upon request.
• Maintains and sanitizes equipment and machines according to established procedures.
• Remove trash, sweep, mop, and provide general cleaning and sanitization of all Vivarium areas including floors, corridors, racks, sinks, counters, test rooms, and other areas as assigned.
• Restocks consumable supplies as needed (paper towel, garbage bags, biohazard bags, disinfectant, and PPE).
• Responsible for VHP and assisting with VHP.
• Performs monthly checks of eye wash stations and fire extinguishers.
• Receives weekly scrub delivery and transports dirty scrub containers to loading dock for pick up.

Supportive Duties

• Assists and helps with new projects as assigned and overseen by supervisor.
• Monitor inventory of vivarium supplies (to include but not limited to: food/bedding, PPE, disinfectants). Transport feed to different areas of the building.
• As directed by supervisor, learn new skills and techniques to assist research groups, &/or in training other staff.
• Performs monthly checks for expired disinfectant and other vivarium supplies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Able to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and push/pull heavy loaded equipment carts in a safe manner.
• Able to stand, bend, reach, and crouch while working.

• Proficient with standard computer applications such as Microsoft Word & Excel.
• Able to update and maintain a database and be able to clearly communicate verbally and via electronic mail. 
• Willingness and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, positive attitude, team player.
• Availability to work on weekends and holidays as required to maintain compliance in animal care, providing oversight of animals 24/7.

• A basic understanding of the science behind each task.
• Experience in a laboratory animal setting is preferred.

 

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to careers@psychogenics.com.