About This Role:

The purpose of this position is to provide operational support for research in an animal biosafety level 3 agriculture (ABSL-3Ag) facility including work with livestock infected with pathogenic agents. This individual will assist the supervisory Animal Suite Manager with broad support and coordination of activities associated with infectious disease research and food safety and food security studies.

Responsibilities include waste management, decontamination, adherence to animal welfare regulations, assisting research teams in project planning and operational logistics, and training research staff on procedures, protocols and equipment operation.

Duties include report generation, database inputs and user interface, work with large animals (livestock) and small lab animals (rodents and rabbits) in BSL-3 and ABSL-3Ag research projects, assisting with coordinating animal space use assisting with technical procedures involving animals as required for research projects., decontaminating spaces and equipment with specialized technologies, and removal and decontamination of waste via alkaline hydrolysis tissue digestion equipment and autoclave sterilization.

Position also supports necessary coordination for unique biocontainment areas used in food safety and security studies.

The position will require work on weekends as needed to fulfill research schedules on a shared shift schedule with other employees. Total hours will not typically exceed 40/week with equivalent week days off when weekend work is necessitated.

Why Join Us:

The Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) at Pat Roberts Hall on the Kansas State University Manhattan campus is a unique biocontainment research and education facility that has helped Kansas State University become a national leader in biodefense research.

• The BRI is the home of comprehensive infectious disease research to address threats to plant, animal, and human health, including food-borne pathogens. Read more about the research performed here.
• The BRI is unique in its capacity to perform multidisciplinary research on multiple pathogens and host species within a single facility. Find out more about our facility and capabilities.
• The BRI is committed to training the next generation of scientists who will study recurring and emerging infectious diseases. BSL-3, ABSL-3 and ABSL3-Ag spaces offer a diverse range of research and educational opportunities. Explore education and training at the BRI.
• The BRI offers highly trained staff and unparalleled research support.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a High School diploma
• Two years of relevant experience, and an ALAT certification. Must complete the ALAT Certification with 14 months of hire.

• This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Veterinary technician degree, certificate.
• Experience working in a biocontainment facility at BSL-3/ABSL-3Ag. 
• AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level.
• Working knowledge of Windows-based software, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• One or more years research animal care experience involving infectious disease research projects using both large (livestock) and small lab animals.
• Experience in application of biological safety principles and practices as applicable to infectious disease research involving animals.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

• Obtain ALAT certificate within 14 months of hire.
• Attend and remain current on institutional and regulatory required training.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cooperatively with office staff, researchers, facilities design and maintenance personnel, laboratory technical staff, external contractors, etc.
• Ability to learn and stay current in the rapidly advancing fields of animal biosafety and biocontainment.
• The position will require work on weekends as needed to fulfill research schedules, on a shared shift schedule with other employees.
• Total hours will not typically exceed 40/week with equivalent week days off when weekend work is necessitated.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to undergo and maintain a favorable background investigation and National Select Agent Registration security risk assessment.
• Ability to undergo and maintain a final US Government security clearance if required.
• Ability to pass a baseline physical.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Online application
2. Resume
3. Three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$18.49 - $24.96

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.