JOB SUMMARY: The Biological Quality Control Scientist I (Animal Care) position works independently with minimal supervision of the BQC Manager to ensure that all biological products released are safe, stable and effective and that all tests are conducted according to relevant procedures. The position requires the ability to multitask and work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Quality Control Testing and Animal Care: 95% of position responsibility
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Maintain and/or prepare all necessary challenge material, antiserum, and references for in-house and finished product testing.
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Perform laboratory tests in vivo as required, and in vitro on animal serum, antigens, and cultures for in-house and finished product testing.
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Calculate, review, and evaluate final test results to assure procedures are performed appropriately and meet all SOP, Outline of Production, and government requirements.
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Coordinate with Production, Planning, Central Services, Purchasing and R&D to ensure work is conducted properly and efficiently.
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Be familiar with relevant 9 CFR testing, SOPs, and the Animal Welfare Act. Notify the supervisor of any deficiencies or non-compliance issues.
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Recognize unhealthy animals and promptly inform the staff veterinarian when animal welfare issues arise.
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Assist with development of new assays including testing, documentation, and reports.
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Create new SOPs and revise current procedures as needed.
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Report any problems that arise within or that affect the department and participate in the investigation.
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Provide fresh feed and water to all animals daily.
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Clean animal areas on required, routine basis including bedding changes.
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Provide all physical necessities, including environmental enrichment, to maintain animal health and comfort.
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Schedule and perform vaccination of test animals when required including routine potency and safety testing. Perform non-routine tests for research studies.
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Transport caging, equipment, cleaning supplies, feed, and bedding to rooms to prepare for upcoming testing.
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Keep animal testing areas stocked with supplies and order appropriately.
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Accurately complete records for animal usage, testing, euthanasia, pain and suffering with and without drugs, cleaning of rooms, controlled drugs, and biohazard disposal.
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Record daily observations of all animals on test in a timely manner. This includes number of animals and their condition.
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Maintain daily temperature and cleaning records for animal rooms. Prepare weekend and holiday schedule for personnel to ensure coverage.
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Assist in restraint of and obtain blood samples from laboratory animals as required.
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Order animals to minimize delays in testing and maximize use of facility. Maintain animal numbers to avoid shortages or excess.
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Adhere to all safety procedures, review relevant SDS literature, and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
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Adhere to applicable biosafety practices and handle biohazardous waste appropriately.
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Perform AVMA approved euthanasia techniques for multiple species and properly dispose of deceased animals.
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Properly operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as autoclave, biosafety cabinets, cage washer, incubators, freezers, microscopes, etc.
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Ability to safely operate a pickup truck.
Other duties as assigned: 5% of job responsibility
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Write/ review protocols for IACUC and conduct meetings biannually.
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Create and update Cost Analyses for test procedures.
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Routinely audit animal numbers for current testing protocols.
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Perform in-house veterinary diagnostic tests as needed.
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Evaluate and collaborate on new projects as needed.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
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One of the following:
- Associate degree from a Veterinary Technician or Laboratory Animal Technician program; or
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Minimum of four (4) years of experience in animal health-related activities.
- AALAS certification is required.
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Valid Driver's License is required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
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Must have compassion for the animals in their care and take responsibility for their well-being.
- Ability to read and comprehend SOPs, protocols, and government regulations.
- Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
- Flexibility, organization skills, self-motivation, working independently, attention to detail, and time management skills are necessary.
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Intermediate ability with Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Software, Email and experience with LIMS.
The demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
INTELLECTUAL DEMANDS:
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Must be able to understand test methodology and concentrate while performing repetitive tasks.
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Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
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Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and vendors.
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Ability to understand the nature of a government regulated business and the attention to detail that is required.
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Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
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Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repetitively.
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Must not have allergies that would limit the ability to care for cats, dogs, rodents, and rabbits.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. above head; stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, standing for extended periods of time.
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Perform repetitive motions for extended periods of time,
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Routinely wear personal safety protection as required including hair, eye, face, and foot protection including respirators.
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Bend at the waist and twist torso from side to side; good hand-eye coordination; good hand dexterity; full range of motion with arms; balance; lifting; use hands to grasp, screw or unscrew caps; talk/hear; see; smell; exposure to hazardous waste; fumes/airborne particles.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Typical lab/office environment.
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The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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Work required in biohazardous areas.
Why Join Diamond Animal Health
Join a company with over 60 years of expertise in advancing animal health solutions. At Diamond Animal Health, we combine deep industry knowledge with precision to deliver excellence in every stage of operations—from research and development to manufacturing and logistics. Our USDA-licensed and FDA-registered facilities, along with global distribution capabilities, position us as a trusted leader in animal health innovation. As part of a team that values collaboration and continuous improvement, you will contribute to a legacy of quality, safety, and innovation that impacts animals worldwide.
Our Benefits
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and emotional well-being, including:
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Competitive pay and generous paid time off
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9 paid holidays and up to 7 weeks of paid parental leave
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Health, dental, and vision plans with premiums as low as $0
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Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
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401(k) with company match
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Employee Assistance Program
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A collaborative, supportive culture with professional development and leadership growth opportunities
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are passionate about improving animal health and want to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and growth, apply today and help us shape the future of animal health!
