RESEARCH DUTIES:
- Be responsible for care of experimental animals (dogs and cats) including the training and working of owned animals (dogs and cats) on days they are present, or housed laboratory animals, using fear-free methods. This involves the supervision of OPS employees, students, and volunteers, the collection of blood, urine and fecal samples, and the maintenance of equipment within the laboratories. This will involve some physical work including lifting animals and equipment, and occasionally unusual hours such as early morning or late afternoon work.
- Enter data into the CVM clinic program (currently Cornerstone) as appropriate, while maintaining confidentiality of information as requested by study sponsors.    
- Also included will be compiling data from a variety of sources, helping to analyze the data including statistical analysis, and contributing in publishing and presenting the results. 
- Undertake bench research including the chemical analysis of hematological, urinary, fecal, tissue, and other samples. Understand nutritional biochemistry. Be able to make independent decisions concerning the modification and troubleshooting of analytical methods. Modify existing methods for use in this laboratory. Validate assays for a variety of animal species, both domestic and wild. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as gas and high-pressure liquid chromatography equipment, balances, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, autoanalyzers, etc. Provide routine maintenance on this laboratory equipment. Contribute to publishing validation work as it becomes available.
- This may involve working with stable isotopes, noxious agents and potential biological hazards (including human tissues and fluids). 
- Conduct and assist with clinical studies including obtaining information via telephone from clients, assisting with sample collection, possibly in the field, maintaining records and computer processing of data.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
- Supervise the general operation of the laboratory including maintaining laboratory safety and compliance with UF and government regulations and be responsible for supervision and training of those working the laboratory i.e. supervise, assist and teach students, residents, and OPS assistants in the conduct of research and especially in the good care of animals and Fear Free techniques, and in the safe use of laboratory methods. Order and obtain materials from vendors.
- Incumbent will be expected to be involved with all administrative aspects of the studies including helping to write and maintain written proposals, grant applications (if applicable), and appropriate IACUC or IRB forms.
- Maintain an inventory of samples in refrigerators and freezers. Submit samples to other laboratories and maintain records of results.
- Maintain an orderly inventory of chemicals and a clean and functional lab. Maintain a log of laboratory activities including keeping account of grant funds by keeping a log of purchases, and use of computer programs such as Quicken, PeopleSoft, Excel, Cornerstone, OnBase, and others. Set up and maintain computer-based accounts to monitor use of multiple research funds for multiple supervisors. Interact with departmental fiscal persons to assure accuracy of records.

LECTURE AND MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION AND ASSISTANCE WITH TEACHING DUTIES:
- Assist with lecture preparation including the use of programs such as Powerpoint and Adobe. Edit manuscripts for other lab personnel.
- Undertake literature searches with the aid of Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, CAB, and similar programs and use library skills such as finding and downloading or requesting papers.
- Prepare written reports, enter data and statistically analyze results. Maintain computer skills in word processing, data base, spreadsheet, statistical software, and many other programs).
- Collaborate in writing and editing manuscripts to be submitted for publication in scientific and veterinary journals. Assist residents and students with preparation of manuscripts
- Assist with didactic teaching and exam marking.

Perform other duties as assigned

- At least a Master’s degree in nutrition, biological sciences or chemistry
- At least two years and preferably five years handling dogs and/or cats preferably in a research setting
- At least five years of experience in laboratory analytical methods preferably measuring nutrients in blood & tissue samples.
- Knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices including the principles of chemical analysis and the safe use of radiological and hazardous chemicals.
- Knowledge of nutrition and gastroenterology
- Knowledge of principles of electricity.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and data.
- Ability to work and solve problems independently, but also to follow detailed written or oral instructions.
- Computer skills in word processing, graphics, data base, spreadsheet, presentation, web, and analytical and preferably statistical software.
- Ability to help write and edit manuscripts, posters, and talks suitable for publication and presentation.
- Ability to perform arithmetical calculations.
- Ability to establish an effective working relationship with other members of the department, College and University.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to lift and carry 45 lbs. or more.
- Knowledge of and experience with handling human samples.  Ability to obtain applicable UF certifications.