GMD Labs is a preclinical research facility providing a comprehensive research program to our valued customers. Enabling our customers to acquire skills and knowledge needed in a preclinical setting based on GMD’s mission which states: “GMD’s mission is to advance the development of innovative therapeutics by providing exceptional quality work to the industry and academic collaborators in the biomedical research field.” We achieve this mission by providing a secure testing environment, by assuring the best care for our animals, and by courteous and professional performance by the staff.
Program Information Opportunity Title: Animal Surgery Prep Assistant
Opportunity Summary: Join our AAALAC-accredited facility and help maintain research animals and the facility in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) and USDA standards under moderate supervision. Assist in surgical rooms, assist with animal surgical prep and monitoring, and maintain medical records. Perform husbandry duties and facility maintenance as needed.
By the end of this opportunity, students will have learned to perform routine tasks associated with animal care within the facility. Monitor and maintain/treat animals during surgeries. Complete paperwork and procedures associated with the receipt, identification, and daily observation of research animals. Cleaning and Preparing Operating Room Suites. Cleaning and Storing of Medical equipment. Perform routine feeding and watering of research animals and the sanitation of animal enclosures and pens. Able to make general observations to assess animals’ health and documents observations. Maintain facilities in neat and sanitary conditions. Assess inventory supply and alert supervisory personnel of expected shortages. Able to interact with internal company and outside veterinary, medical, and/or surgical personnel. Able to use effective communication with peers and other company employees to facilitate the smooth operation of the facility.
The following tasks/activities students would be doing for this opportunity:
- Assist a professional
- Engage in a research and/or scholarly activity
- Observe a professional and/or client
- Provide general office administration (e.g. filing, data entry, processing forms, intra-office communication, meeting preparation, returning phone calls)
- Shadow a professional
What training will be provided to students to perform these responsibilities?
All Students will be provided our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that outlines all the activities, in detail, at the facility. In addition, all students will receive Peer-to-Peer Training by our staff, IACUC Member, and our Attending Veterinarian, as well as an online training program provided by CItI.
How will you provide ongoing support and supervision to students?
All students will work directly with our staff and technicians and will be provided a point of contact for their daily routines.
Where will this opportunity take place? On-site/In-Person
Please provide your organizations COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocol
We ask that all participants and attendees practice social distancing while in the Lab. Everyone MUST wear a covering and have proper PPE at all times (unless you are actively eating or drinking). Face coverings are required to be worn properly (covering both nose and mouth) in the Facility regardless of vaccination status, indoors when 10 people or more are present, in all public and common areas, such as break rooms, hallways, Operating Rooms Suites, restrooms, and in shared phone conference areas. We request that you frequently wash your hands and dispose of all unused food and drink items in the proper receptacles.
Please provide any safety information specific to this opportunity.
One of the most common health risks in the research animal setting is an allergic reaction to lab
animals. The risk of developing an allergy depends on many factors such as animal species contact, facility and ventilation design, and the person's personal health status. For example, individuals with certain respiratory conditions or preexisting allergies may be at higher risk of developing lab animal allergies and/or experiencing
more severe allergic reactions.
Please indicate the number of hours and duration a student would need to commit for this opportunity: 20 hours per week
Are students responsible for any fees as part of this opportunity? No Fees will be incurred by students
Are students receiving any form of compensation for this opportunity? No, unpaid.
Please include your resume and a statement as to why you are interested in applying. We are looking forward to hearing from motivated students, looking to learn about large animal research.