Vivarium Manager

Who we are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives.  Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

Position description:

Calico is seeking to hire a collaborative manager to oversee its vivarium operations. The position provides direct oversight and supervision of the animal care staff and facilities, and provides essential support for in vivo researchers. This position reports to the LAR Director to strategically plan for resourcing to support Calico’s research mission and to foster a positive team culture. The position includes participation in the IACUC and will oversee training and compliance within the vivarium. The ideal candidate has excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and plan complex workloads.

Responsibilities include: 

• Coordinate and manage vivarium operations including animal husbandry, facility and equipment management, people management, technical support for research activities
• Manage program that ensures animal health and well-being, including coordination of supportive care at the direction of the attending veterinarian and environmental enrichment
• Operate vivarium in accordance with The Guide, including efficient operation and sanitation of vivarium spaces and equipment, and maintaining stable environmental conditions
• Review and analyze operational needs and make recommendations to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of animal care and study support
• Write, review and implement SOPs
• Participate in colony health surveillance programs including routine surveillance and quarantine
• Oversee procurement processes for animals, supplies and equipment 
• Oversee facility and equipment maintenance records and facilitate preventative maintenance program  
• Utilize vivarium management software to maintain colony databases and other electronic data management systems; analyze data to drive efficient colony management and project resourcing 
• Ensure staff members are fully trained and competent in their ability to perform animal husbandry and in vivo technical procedures, including monitoring performance, hands-on training, and proficiency evaluations 
• Act as a liaison to researchers to ensure adequate staff and space resources are available to conduct animal studies; align staffing resources and service offerings with company goals and research needs
• Act as a liaison with facilities, laboratory operations, EH&S, and external vendors.
• Participate as a member of the IACUC and facilitate communication between the IACUC and users of the vivarium communication to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards
• Ensure site preparedness for IACUC & AAALAC inspections

Position requirements: 

• B.S. in a life science or equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience
• Five plus years managing a vivarium or animal facility, including managing/developing and mentoring animal technicians
• Experience with vivarium management software for colony/census management
• Hands-on experience in handling, dosing, blood sampling, and tissue harvest in rodents
• Experience in evaluating programs to comply with federal regulations, guidelines, and AAALAC accreditation standards
• Ability to work on-site for at least four days per week

 Nice to Have: 

• CMAR certification
• Experience adopting advanced in vivo technologies

The estimated base salary range for this role is $165,000 - $170,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.