Summary
Howard Hughes Medical Institute is searching for an Assistant Operations Manager to join the Vivarium staff
at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA.
Janelia’s Vivarium supports ground-breaking neurobiological research in a variety of animal models, including
aquatic and terrestrial species, with significant emphasis on zebrafish and rodents. Vivarium operations are
designed to maximize scientific progress and impact, while providing best-in-class welfare for, and responsible
use of, laboratory animals. Our approach involves Vivarium staff working very closely with our scientists to
achieve these results, by allowing researchers to focus on data intensive tasks and taking responsibility and
ownership of processes that involve animals, but are not data driven.
With the position of Assistant Vivarium Operations Manager (Assistant Manager), we are presenting an
opportunity for a developing leader in laboratory animal science to join the Janelia team. Mentored by the
Director of Animal Services and supervisory staff, the Assistant Manager will learn, contribute to
improvements in, and communicate Janelia’s Vivarium operational principles, with the long-term potential for
increasing responsibility and authority in the organization.
Essential Duties
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Will be responsible for the Vivarium orientation program for the training of researchers, contractors,
and Vivarium staff.
Rotates through Rodent Husbandry and Experimental support, Rodent Breeding, and Aquatics
groups to obtain training and become proficient in the protocols and procedures of each group.
Will be responsible for providing training in new and existing procedures.
The Assistant Manager will become an expert user of Vivarium database systems, suggesting,
coordinating, and implementing database maintenance, audits, and improvements.
The Assistant Manager will assist in the development of and performance to departmental budgets.
In collaboration with the Director of Animal Services, will be responsible for maintaining, organizing,
and improving Vivarium policies and procedures.
Will participate in and help to guide recruitment of Vivarium staff, including contract staff.
Will participate as-needed in the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Will assist with the development of breeding schemes to support researchers’ use of genetically
modified mice, rats, and zebrafish.
Will coordinate and schedule troubleshooting and repair of facility equipment.
Will assist with the health monitoring, clinical treatments, and the sentinel animal program for both
rodents and zebrafish.
Interact with customers to solve customer requests, inquiries, complaints, and to provide assistance.
Review, comprehend, and comply with all IACUC policies and procedures, as well as relevant laws
and regulations regarding the use of animals in research.
Will participate in rotating on-call coverage for operational and animal health emergencies.
The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
1. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations relating to the use of animals in
research.
2. Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, service-oriented, rapidly changing environment to
accomplish mutual goals.
3. Is a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing.
4. Demonstrated abilities in training others in the rationale and practice of complex procedures.
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A strong sense of customer service.
Demonstrated knowledge of transgenic technologies and terminology to support the breeding of
genetically modified mice, rats, and zebrafish.
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
8. Basic computer skills for document preparation, database management, and presentations.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff,
administrative staff, management, outside contractors, vendors, and government agencies.
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Ability to review goals, analyze processes, and develop approaches and systems required to meet
those goals. Often explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.
11. Able to critically review information. Understands new concepts with minimal assistance.
12. Familiar with database interactions to support Vivarium operations.
Additional Information:
Please upload a cover letter and the names and contact information of three references with your resume.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please apply online at http://www.hhmi.org/careers/2350.
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer