Position Summary

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute unites world-class scientists across diverse academic disciplines to conduct groundbreaking research that transforms our understanding of the brain and its influence on the mind and behavior.

As a leading neuroscience institute, our mission is to decipher the mind and brain to better understand behavior. Our researchers are committed to foundational science, uncovering the principles that shape how the brain develops, functions, and recovers.

With more than 50 labs, the Zuckerman Institute serves as a hub for collaboration, bringing together Columbia’s top scholars to drive research in bold new directions. Located in Manhattanville, our state-of-the-art Jerome L. Greene Science Center provides an inspiring home for discovery in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

The Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as a Veterinary Technician Supervisor working in our ICM Vivarium Facility located in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center. This role will supervise 5 Veterinary Technicians. The candidate will be responsible for scheduling and coordinating with ZI ICM veterinarians and researchers.

The ICM / Vivarium Facility is a 7-day-a-week operation. Applicants must have weekend and evening availability.

Responsibilities

• Schedules technician assignments based on building, species, research support requirements, and staff expertise.  Ensures work, including maintenance of medical records, is conducted to the current standard of practice, in accordance with veterinary orders, and in compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation guidelines. 
• Trains direct reports to ensure core competencies and continued development.  Continued development will include the development of skills necessary to support research at Columbia and progress in the AALAS certification program.  Trains research personnel, both directly and indirectly through direct reports, on the safe handling and manipulation of research animals, on anesthetic and surgical techniques, and on other aspects of the care and use of research animals as directed.
• Maintains facilities within the area of responsibility, veterinary medicine, and research-related equipment, and supplies and stock.  Ensures supplies and supply records are maintained in accordance with regulations and guidelines.  Ensures equipment is serviced in an appropriate manner.  Submits all monthly billing files timely.
• Plans for support of future studies to ensure that resources, personnel, equipment, and supplies are available.
• Maintains knowledge of advancing research technologies and expertise in the field of laboratory animal science and medicine. 
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus 2 - 4 years of related experience. 
• License Required: Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technician, or Certified Veterinary Technician
• The ideal candidate must possess good communication, organization, and analytical skills. Also, one must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, climb, stoop, bend, reach, and stand for prolonged periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the following equipment: autoclaves, plasma or gas sterilization equipment, anesthetic monitoring equipment, anesthetic vaporizers, other surgical support equipment, automated conveyor belt cleaning systems, and disposal of waste materials.
• The ideal candidate should possess sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• Candidate should have experience with mechanical machinery and operations, and be able to perform physical labor involving the breaking down and setting up of heavy caging.
• 2 – 4 years of previous related experience working in a research or animal clinic, veterinary setting.
• Participate(d) in a Veterinary Technology Program.
• Supervisory experience is preferred. 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.