This is an entry-level research position that involves animal husbandry, data collection, and database management. The transgenic models of aging program generates and studies transgenic mice and rats that over express or under express specific genes that show promise for extending a healthy lifespan. These models allow investigators to identify and understand the function of genes that retard aging and extend longevity. Our facility (animal core) provides a venue that allows investigators to test the genes that alter aging.

Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. The position has a rotating schedule with weekend shifts and some Holidays required. Located in the Medical Center.

This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

• Inspection of all animal cages for documentation of deaths, births, illnesses, cage floods: which involves the removal of each individual cage from its slot (repetitive motion, reach, and bending), cage level measurement of *diet or water intake (food consumption-includes *loss measurement via dirty case bottom sifting), individual mouse or rat body weight, individual identification via ear punching, microchip implantation or tail tattoo, conduct individual animal scans via qMRI (frequent).
• Scan (infrequent), blood sampling, feeding of specialized diets as well as caloric feed amounts (involves weighing and distributing food). Prepare specimens for pathology processing and prepare and accomplish tail samples of rodents for genotyping. Perform various benign behavioral tests including but not limited to activity monitoring, rotarod, and basic neurological function basis.
• Prepare, accomplish, and record quantitative and qualitative observations using data management software (automated data collection laptop system as well as traditional notations), on aging processes of specific pathogen-free transgenic and non-transgenic rat and mice.
• Design, modify and use spreadsheets to manage and calculate data.
• Coordinate and track breeding studies to develop transgenic and recombinant inbred lines. Involves pairing of rodents for breeding and weaning pups from said pairings.
• Assist in the preparation of hormone-containing or chemical drinking water and small animal surgery.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a basic science is required.

Experience:

• None required.
• Experience working with small rodents preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook required.

• Provides routine technical assistance in performing assigned and delegated tasks in support of research projects.
• Performs assigned clerical and technical duties in a research or clinical lab setting.
• Assists investigator or higher level technician with research studies, experiments and assays including collection of data, preparation of solutions and set-up and maintenance of equipment.
• Performs routine tests with direction from supervisor, manager or higher level technician.
• Assists in conducting a variety of scientific experiments and research projects of limited complexity, collecting, evaluating, and interpreting data.
• Carries out general laboratory maintenance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.