Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

The Laboratory Animal Sciences Program (LASP) provides exceptional quality animal care and technical support services for animal research performed at the National Cancer Institute at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. LASP executes this mission by providing a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies and services that are focused on the design, generation, characterization and application of genetically engineered and biological animal models of human disease, which are aimed at the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies. LASP contributes to advancing human health, developing new treatments, and improving existing treatments for cancer and other diseases while ensuring safe and humane treatment of animals.

LASP seeks to invite applications for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship program at the NCI-Frederick for veterinarians desiring further experience and training in laboratory animal medicine and cancer research using animal models. The fellow will be embedded in the Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM) portion of LASP to be trained by a team of LASP veterinarians and scientists, with all aspects of research overseen by the senior (attending) veterinarian in LASP Frederick. The fellow will participate in a variety of services in LAM-Frederick and LAM-Bethesda, including animal breeding and health monitoring, receiving and quarantine, surgery and necropsy, ABSL1 and ABSL2 practices, gnotobiotics, small animal imaging, molecular pathology, animal modeling, rederivation and cryopreservation, and working with various regulatory oversight committees (Animal Care and Use Committee, Institutional Biosafety Committee and Quality Assurance). The fellow will gain experience in other regulatory functions like completing the OLAW annual report, OLAW assurance, USDA annual report and AAALAC site visits. The fellow will also gain experience working with species often used in laboratory animal sciences, including Mice, Rats, Xenopus, Zebrafish and Macaques. Fellow who complete the program will earn an FNLCR “certificate of training” and gain a better understanding of the principles and practices of laboratory animal medicine. This intensive training would also well-prepare the fellow for specialty boards exams (e.g. ACLAM). Dedicated time to study for the boards will be provided.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

This posting is contingent on future openings. This position is a one-year term with possible extension.”

• Assist with daily health checks and treatment of sick animals.
• Assist with surgical and technical procedure training.
• Assist with AALAS Certification Training.
• Support the Receiving and Quarantine Program.
• Assist with the protocol review process and updating standard operating procedures/policies.
• Provide on call veterinary support during weekends and after hours.
• Participate in monthly Institutional Animal Care and Use and Biosafety Committee meetings.
• Participate in the monthly diagnostic meeting and refinement of the animal health monitoring program.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Graduation from a veterinary school accredited by the AVMA (e.g. D.V.M. or V.M.D.) or satisfactory completion of the foreign equivalency examination (passing grade) given by the AVMA. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• License to practice veterinary medicine in the U.S.
• 3+ years of relevant, full-time experience in laboratory animal medicine following receipt of a veterinary medical degree.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory animal health/medicine, veterinary treatments and procedures.
• Must function independently in an animal facility to identify and evaluate animal health issues, provide clinical diagnoses, therapeutics and post-procedural care for research animals.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• Completion of an ACLAM recognized training/residency program in laboratory animal medicine.
• Experience handling mice and non-human primates in a research setting, with technical skills in surgical procedures.
• Experience consulting with scientists regarding animal-based research and development of Animal Study Proposals (ASP).
• Experience in veterinary diagnostics and clinical medicine.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations