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Job Description

Annual Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 CAD, commensurate with experience.

We are seeking an experienced Animal Health Technician to join and enhance our Antibody Discovery team. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of relevant experience and thrive in a collaborative team environment. This position is based in Victoria, BC. where the main activity is fee-for-service antibody development for international clients as a CRO.

The benefits of working with IPA Canada include but are not limited to:

• Working in a multi-national, dedicated and result-driven team
• Opportunities to develop and implement novel technologies
• Career development and continuing education
• Competitive salary and health benefits
• Flexible time off policy
• RRSP contribution matching
• Opportunity to participate in certain strategic projects, activities, R&D or leadership roles aimed at the further development of IPA and the IPA group of companies

IPA is dedicated to diversity and creating a healthy and inclusive work environment.  The company’s full Diversity & Inclusion statement may be found on IPA’s career website located at:

https://www.ipatherapeutics.com/careers

Key responsibilities shall include:

Perform animal procedures:

• Receive live animal shipments
• Perform all injection procedures (i.e., subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intravenous, intramuscular) and immunizations (gene gun, tattoo)
• Collect blood (i.e., cardiac puncture and saphenous vein) and organs (spleen, lymph nodes)
• Prepare antigens for injections and process blood for sera aseptically
• Provide treatments as outlined by Veterinarian and/or Animal Care Program Manager
• Perform euthanasia of animals and perform necropsies if needed
• Other procedures as IPA develops new services

 Perform administrative duties and support research efforts:

• Assist in generation and editing of SOPs
• Use the mouse inventory database to record and enter animal inventory data
• Maintain accurate and complete process and data records in the development and production of monoclonal antibodies
• Maintain and enter immunization and colony management data into SoftMouse Colony program
• Document and maintain antigen and reagent preparation records critical for lot traceability purposes
• Attend and contribute to ACC meetings and CCAC certification processes

 Other responsibilities:

• Perform consistent work practices in accordance with IPA (Canada) protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and CCAC guidelines
• Participate in animal care related conferences and webinars as per CCAC Continuing Education (CE) guidelines
• Assist in lab organization, equipment maintenance, cleaning, and waste management
• Perform husbandry duties and daily maintenance of the vivarium.

Requirements:

• Proficiency in information and communication technologies (email, word processing, spreadsheets)
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Capable of working effectively both independently and within a team
• Physically capable: lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs, manual dexterity, standing or sitting for extended periods, wearing gloves, performing repetitive tasks, bending/twisting, and working in varied environmental conditions (e.g., noise, temperature, animal dander)
• Consistent accuracy and reliability
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Comfortable performing routine, repetitive tasks
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background check

 Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• RLAT certification with the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science within one year of hire OR an Animal Health Technologist diploma from a North American accredited institution (or internationally recognized equivalent)
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience
• A combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience working in a post-secondary or research environment is an asset