Training, Enrichment, and Technology Specialist, Office of Laboratory Animal Care, College of Veterinary Medicine: UTIA

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Training, Enrichment, and Technology Specialist, located in the Office of Laboratory Animal Care. The University of Tennessee maintains various species of laboratory and teaching animals across the Knoxville-area. Faculty, research staff, students and lab animal facility staff require training to become familiar with and conduct the basic husbandry and technical procedures, while minimizing animal welfare issues.  The primary purpose of this position is to routinely deliver professional training to a wide variety of laboratory animal users across multiple animal facilities within the University.  The role develops and delivers information through the OLAC website modules, in-person group training sessions, and one-on-one specialized sessions.  The role will follow-up with trainees during their work to confirm continued proficiency.  The role works closely with the IACUC Office on regulatory training and post-approval monitoring follow-up.  The role works closely with facility managers to guide training of facility staff. The role works closely with the OLAC Director to develop, document, and train a wide range of individuals of various processes.

TRAINING: 

• Develops, delivers, assesses, evaluates, and improves training and workshops for a wide range of audiences.  This includes training on animal handling +/- procedures for lab animal facility personnel, scientists, undergraduate and graduate students working with animals.  It also includes training on husbandry procedures and facility equipment within the traditional lab animal facilities.
• Conducts assessments to determine training needs on new techniques or equipment. 
• Provides expertise and advises junior trainers or junior post-approval monitoring coordinators on best practices.
• Recommends appropriate training or proficiency tools and technologies. 
• Creates and/or secures simulation models for training, if necessary. 
• Creates and/or updates training videos/modules for review prior to hands-on sessions and as refresher for users.
• Works with committees related to area of specialty (IACUC, Biosafety) - coordinates new personnel added to protocols with IACUC and creates necessary training components for each individual.  Based on the individual's work and experience, may include aseptic and surgical techniques, colony management, and biosafety practices when working with animals.
• Engages with vendors +/- manuals as new equipment is secured to understand operation and maintenance of new equipment, then host training sessions on its use. 

ENRICHMENT:

• Coordinates, implements and modifies enrichment SOPs or log sheets, when necessary. 
• Schedules and trains staff on best practices for enrichment of animals. 
• Monitors staff progress and re-trains staff on SOPs, when necessary. 
• Enhances the program through regular monitoring of behavioral and enrichment resources available and determining suitability for the institution. 
• Maintains enrichment supplies, toys, and enrichment areas, ensuring good condition. 
• Makes judgments regarding socialization needs based on behavioral assessments performed. 

OTHER:

• Maintains and improves the OLAC website, ACUP SOP repository, clinical case management system, and training log software tools.
• Attends continuing education, local AALAS branch meetings and assists with their preparation. 
• Supports animal care facilities during periods of staffing shortages. 
• Provide technical assistance for research support (anesthesia, surgery, and other procedures).
• Complete institutional trainings as required perform job (EHS, Biosafety, OHP, Radiation safety, etc.). 
• Serves on other committees as directed. 
• Other duties as assigned.