At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. In oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease – and one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry – each of our passionate colleagues contribute to innovations that drive meaningful change. We bring a human touch to every treatment we pioneer. Join us and make a difference.

JOB FUNCTION – Associate Biological Technician – Non-Clinical Safety

Routine Animal Care Operations

Perform routine animal care activities and operations to include but not limited to:

• Follow all BMS policies, procedures and SOPs.
• Detailed observations of the animals to recognize abnormal symptoms and behavior and report problems through established systems.
• Prepare food and feed the animals correct portions according to specifications.
• Clean animal rooms and maintain general cleanliness of the animal areas and ancillary spaces.
• Handle and restrain animals using appropriate techniques and assist others in restraint and handling as required.
• Receive or prepare animals for shipment.
• Provide exercise and or environmental enrichment.
• Acclimatization and training of animals to routine procedures.
• Maintain breeding colonies (e.g. make and record animal observations, offer special feedings, weaning, identification, sample collection/shipping), and associated sample and data collection (e.g. census, breeding and weaning records)
• Assemble, clean, use, monitor and maintain animal caging and associated equipment.
• Assist in related quality sampling and testing (e.g. sanitization effectiveness)
• Clean and sterilize animal cages, feeders, bottles, and other equipment using autoclaves and other sanitization equipment (e.g., ozone, VHP, fogging) and assist in planning workflow, staging and storage of materials.
• Receive and store feed, bedding and other supplies.
• Ensure storage and animal areas supplies are appropriately stocked.
• Assist in or demonstrate proper work procedures to trainees and other personnel as requested.
• Program of Veterinary Care Support
• Assist in technical aspects of the veterinary care program but not limited to:
• Assist with administration of veterinary treatments and procedures (e.g., injections, application, dosing, biologic sample collection).
• Assist with routine colony health activities and associated testing (e.g., animal grooming, trimming nails, euthanasia of animals, teeth maintenance, TB testing).
• Assist with animal medical data recording and reporting
• Prepare animals and samples for testing, observe tests, and detect and report responses;
• Perform support duties that involve animal health maintenance, i.e., sentinel program, water and feed sampling and evaluation, sanitation sampling and testing, and other related tests, as required;
• May be required to correlate and calculate related data, summarize and record test results and assays;
• Study and Scientific Support
• Responsible for reading all study protocols
• Assist in the preparation and execution of research activities including but not limited to:
• Identification and observation of animals
• Animal restraint
• Compound or drug preparation, handling, sampling and administration
• Data collection (e.g. body weight, food consumption, clinical observations)
• Biologic sample collection and processing
• Euthanasia and tissue collection
• Associated record keeping and data entry
• Dissection and removal of internal organs and/or tissues, limited necropsies under supervision, tissue embedding and microtoming, preparation of specimens for archiving, and quality control checks for tissue blocks and slides;
• Assist scientific staff with other study activities and preparation as directed
• Participate in employee training and ongoing training and education programs as required.
• May be required to correlate and calculate related data, summarize and record test results and assays;
• Processing tissue and excreta samples from laboratory animals; handling of radio-labeled test materials.
• Work with others in scheduling and carrying out established standard biological assays and present the results as written notes and verbal reports
• Perform such tests and assays using appropriate equipment and techniques in areas of biology, pharmacokenetics, simple chemistry, microbiology, and immunology, under supervision, may assist with the writing of new or revised procedures

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

The Associate Biological Technician with a Bachelor’s Degree will be required to achieve their ALAT certification within 12 months, become certified at the LAT level within 18 months of completing their ALAT, and encouraged to complete certification at the LATG. Those who do not meet the ALAT certification requirements within 12 months will be considered as not meeting the requirements for the position and be required to bid on a position.

EXPERIENCE:

• Should have experience working with laboratory animals as deemed appropriate by management and in accordance with the Culture of Care and Animal Welfare Standards and Regulations.
• Work independently with numerous time-oriented tasks and need to manage time and workflow as necessary under the guidance and checks and follow standard practices in performance of routine work. Work cooperatively with other employees in efforts to achieve departmental goals.
• Will perform responsibilities in compliance with all applicable SOPs, study protocols, GLP guidelines, and other Federal, State, and corporate policies and guidelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Moderate physical effort required. May involve intermittent heavy lifting, pushing or pulling.
• Be able to lift objects of 50 pounds and push/pull large objects with a force of 50 pounds.
• Medical screening prior to initial placement in Veterinary Sciences is required to evaluate for history of allergy, asthma or physical problems which could endanger an employee in this work environment and to evaluate for the presence of zoonotic diseases e.g. Tuberculosis, MMR vaccine.
• The employee will have frequent exposure to biohazards and disagreeable conditions, including odors, heat, noise, animal excrement, and dander and will have potential exposure to toxic test compounds or radio-labeled test materials.
• Be able to wear appropriate PPE including fit tested respirators, safety shoes and lab apparel.
• In order for the development process to be successful, there must be excellent collaboration, during the course of an experiment as necessary based on sound scientific judgment.
• Involvement of the union staff in the various experimental studies and other processes is determined by management based on the dynamic nature of the research process.

Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.

Our company is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an approval of accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or any part of the recruitment process direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.