Animal biologist job description
Updated March 14, 2024
8 min read
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Example animal biologist requirements on a job description
Animal biologist requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in animal biologist job postings.
Sample animal biologist requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Knowledge of animal behavior and biology
- Experience observing and conducting research on animals
- Familiarity with animal care regulations
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistics
Sample required animal biologist soft skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team
- Ability to work in remote and/or field settings
Animal biologist job description example 1
Kelly Services animal biologist job description
Kelly Government Solutions is a strategic supplier and business partner to the federal government and its key suppliers. Through our partnership with the National Institutes of Health, Kelly Government Solutions offers administrative, IT, engineering, scientific, and healthcare professionals the opportunity to work with the leading medical research center in the world. We are seeking a **Small Animal Biologist** at the National Institutes of Health in **Bethesda, MD**
This is a long-term contract position which offers:
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
- Optional health, vision, and dental plans
- Vacation leave as well as 10 paid federal holidays and 401K plan.
- Access to NIH's unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
**TASKS/SERVICES** . The contractor shall:
1. Carry out molecular biological experiments, including extracting genomic DNA, performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, cloning DNA fragments and preparing plasmid DNA, generating high quality RNA using in vitro transcription.
2. Develop and maintain a spreadsheet of animal breeding records; record lineage, genotype, birth, death and experimental use of each animal.
3. Document all laboratory procedures, experiments and results; maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases.
4. Collect, review, research, and analyze large datasets; perform experiments, utilizing various statistical applications and methods; and interpret data, assemble data into figures, and enter data into a database.
5. Collaborate with team members to determine, evaluate and discuss the progress of projects; point out problems and suggest solutions to problems or augmentation of experimental approaches.
6. Coordinate husbandry, animal care and enrichment activities to maintain a clean, safe and regulatory compliant animal research program.
7. Work with staff to maintain, breed, genotype and phenotype transgenic animal colony; maintain records of animal colony.
8. Independently perform genotyping of animals.
9. Set up animals to be available in numbers and at the time required.
10. Develop and maintain a breeding database to record all animals in the breeding colony.
11. Determine type and number of animals to order and start lab's colony of animals.
12. Determine best type of breeding units to set up for lab needs, including but not limited to continuous pairs, harems, and timed-pregnancies.
13. Manage and breed animal colonies; genotype animals and report genotyping results to staff.
14. Maintain an extensive database repository that tracks the life and health cycles of the entire transgenic colony, including animal breeding, health, and housing areas.
15. Work with staff to maintain, breed, genotype and phenotype transgenic animal colony; maintain records of animal colony.
16. Handle, dissect and euthanize animals.
17. Prepare animals for surgery and ensure proper disposal of animal carcasses.
18. Maintain animal lines in transgenic facilities.
19. Perform experiments with primary tissues and cells in culture, utilizing sterile techniques.
20. Harvest and collect animal embryos, tissues, and organs.
21. Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques.
22. Manage genotyping of samples of transgenic animals.
23. Maintain and culture human and animal cancer cell lines for experiments.
24. Perform analysis of animal tissues; prepare frozen slices and paraffin sections, appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures.
25. Perform PCR-based genotyping.
26. Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques.
27. Perform genomic DNA preparation, genotyping and other analyses of animal tissues using DNA extraction and PCR.
28. Perform tissue and cell culture; use sterile technique.
29. Perform standard molecular biology techniques, including, but not limited to, cloning, in situ hybridization and qPCR.
30. Maintain cell lines and perform basic cell culture assays, including, but not limited to, transfection and immunocytochemistry.
31. Perform light and confocal microscopy.
32. Perform apoptosis assays, qtr.-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and molecular cloning techniques.
33. Work with staff to process tissue for immunohistochemistry.
34. Perform Western Blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.
35. Isolate and purify nucleic acid and proteins from tissue culture samples.
36. Perform molecular biology and cloning techniques, tissue histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
37. Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze and interpret data.
38. Perform quantitative analysis; data analysis, figure preparation, and image acquisition; maintain complete and detailed records of all experiments.
39. Collect, organize and record experimental data for publication and future reference by others.
40. Analyze and interpret scientific data from animal cell lines.
41. Collate, edit and archive electronic and paper laboratory files, notebooks and databases.
42. Analyze and catalog imaging data from molecular biology and in vitro tissue culture assays.
43. Maintain records of experimental results; work with staff to analyze and interpret data; prepare summaries of laboratory findings.
44. Perform computer analysis and use computer software to prepare images
45. Prepare abstracts and present posters.
46. Prepare reports and manuscripts based on experimental results.
47. Participate and collaborate in the preparation of scientific publications for peer reviewed journals based on the results.
48. Document information on procedures, modifications and methods for input into final publication and presentations of findings at meetings.
49. Work with staff on the preparation of data and images for use in research presentations and publications.
50. Write and edit drafts for journal submission; read manuscript drafts of other laboratory members.
51. Compile, write and present scientific data in conferences; write articles.
52. Edit and write research papers and protocols.
53. Work with staff on the modification of laboratory protocols and experiments based on literature findings.
54. Search and review literature related to project; summarize and evaluate findings.
55. Participate in developing and performing experiments, organizing protocols and performing technical trouble-shooting.
56. Locate and review the literature pertinent to projects to identify the most applicable protocols and methods; perform experiments in accordance with protocols.
**REQUIREMENTS** . The contractor must have:
1. Master's degree in Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology or a related discipline; three (3) years of specialized experience plus a Bachelor's degree is equivalent to a Master's degree
2. Minimum of 8-10 years of biology or related experience.
3. Expertise in molecular biology techniques
4. Knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
5. Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures
6. Strong expertise in PCR, cloning, production of recombinant proteins, protein detection methods, cell culture techniques, mouse breeding and genotyping
7. Strong presentation, self-motivational, communication, problem solving and organizational skills
8. Outstanding inter-personal and teamwork skills
9. Strong communications skills, both oral and written
10. Experience in Software such as: Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Outlook).
**PLEASE APPLY ONLINE**
When you apply, please know a Kelly Government Solutions Recruiter will review your resume and will contact you directly, if your skills and experience match the requirements of this position; a full job description can be made available at that time.
Due to the high volume of inquiries, we regret that we cannot accept phone calls. Even if you aren't contacted for this position, you are still part of our talent network. All Kelly recruiters have access to your profile, which expands your opportunities even further.
As a specialty talent company, Kelly is committed to doing the right thing for our talent and clients. We stand up for equity, inclusion, fair treatment, and opportunity for all as these build the foundation of our Talent Promise. With a focus on safety, value, well-being, investment, and opportunity, Kelly's Talent Promise confirms our commitment to those in search of a better way to work and live and to help discover what's next.
It is obvious things are different than they were just a few months ago. Kelly is at the forefront of ensuring the safety of our employees in this new working environment. Be well and stay strong.
**You should know:** Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**Why Kelly** ** ** **Government Solutions?**
Looking to connect with premier government agencies or the top 25 federal government contractors? Kelly Government Solutions partners with these organizations to create expert talent solutions that solve the world's most critical challenges. We offer a variety of full-time, project (SOW), seasonal, and surge support opportunities in science, engineering, technology, professional, and administrative support roles. Our experts will connect you to the opportunity that fits your schedule and interests and handle the details of transferring and processing all levels of security clearances. It's just another way we make the job search work for you.
**About Kelly** ** **
At Kelly, we're always thinking about what's next and advising job seekers on new ways of working to reach their full potential. In fact, we're a leading advocate for temporary/nontraditional workstyles, because we believe they allow flexibility and tremendous growth opportunities that enable a better way to work and live (plus, did we mention we provide a ton of benefits ?). Connecting great people with great companies is what we do best, and our employment opportunities span a wide variety of workstyles, skill levels, and industries around the world.
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center.
Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
This is a long-term contract position which offers:
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit package
- Optional health, vision, and dental plans
- Vacation leave as well as 10 paid federal holidays and 401K plan.
- Access to NIH's unparalleled resources and niche scientific initiatives
**TASKS/SERVICES** . The contractor shall:
1. Carry out molecular biological experiments, including extracting genomic DNA, performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, cloning DNA fragments and preparing plasmid DNA, generating high quality RNA using in vitro transcription.
2. Develop and maintain a spreadsheet of animal breeding records; record lineage, genotype, birth, death and experimental use of each animal.
3. Document all laboratory procedures, experiments and results; maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases.
4. Collect, review, research, and analyze large datasets; perform experiments, utilizing various statistical applications and methods; and interpret data, assemble data into figures, and enter data into a database.
5. Collaborate with team members to determine, evaluate and discuss the progress of projects; point out problems and suggest solutions to problems or augmentation of experimental approaches.
6. Coordinate husbandry, animal care and enrichment activities to maintain a clean, safe and regulatory compliant animal research program.
7. Work with staff to maintain, breed, genotype and phenotype transgenic animal colony; maintain records of animal colony.
8. Independently perform genotyping of animals.
9. Set up animals to be available in numbers and at the time required.
10. Develop and maintain a breeding database to record all animals in the breeding colony.
11. Determine type and number of animals to order and start lab's colony of animals.
12. Determine best type of breeding units to set up for lab needs, including but not limited to continuous pairs, harems, and timed-pregnancies.
13. Manage and breed animal colonies; genotype animals and report genotyping results to staff.
14. Maintain an extensive database repository that tracks the life and health cycles of the entire transgenic colony, including animal breeding, health, and housing areas.
15. Work with staff to maintain, breed, genotype and phenotype transgenic animal colony; maintain records of animal colony.
16. Handle, dissect and euthanize animals.
17. Prepare animals for surgery and ensure proper disposal of animal carcasses.
18. Maintain animal lines in transgenic facilities.
19. Perform experiments with primary tissues and cells in culture, utilizing sterile techniques.
20. Harvest and collect animal embryos, tissues, and organs.
21. Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques.
22. Manage genotyping of samples of transgenic animals.
23. Maintain and culture human and animal cancer cell lines for experiments.
24. Perform analysis of animal tissues; prepare frozen slices and paraffin sections, appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures.
25. Perform PCR-based genotyping.
26. Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques.
27. Perform genomic DNA preparation, genotyping and other analyses of animal tissues using DNA extraction and PCR.
28. Perform tissue and cell culture; use sterile technique.
29. Perform standard molecular biology techniques, including, but not limited to, cloning, in situ hybridization and qPCR.
30. Maintain cell lines and perform basic cell culture assays, including, but not limited to, transfection and immunocytochemistry.
31. Perform light and confocal microscopy.
32. Perform apoptosis assays, qtr.-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and molecular cloning techniques.
33. Work with staff to process tissue for immunohistochemistry.
34. Perform Western Blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.
35. Isolate and purify nucleic acid and proteins from tissue culture samples.
36. Perform molecular biology and cloning techniques, tissue histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
37. Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze and interpret data.
38. Perform quantitative analysis; data analysis, figure preparation, and image acquisition; maintain complete and detailed records of all experiments.
39. Collect, organize and record experimental data for publication and future reference by others.
40. Analyze and interpret scientific data from animal cell lines.
41. Collate, edit and archive electronic and paper laboratory files, notebooks and databases.
42. Analyze and catalog imaging data from molecular biology and in vitro tissue culture assays.
43. Maintain records of experimental results; work with staff to analyze and interpret data; prepare summaries of laboratory findings.
44. Perform computer analysis and use computer software to prepare images
45. Prepare abstracts and present posters.
46. Prepare reports and manuscripts based on experimental results.
47. Participate and collaborate in the preparation of scientific publications for peer reviewed journals based on the results.
48. Document information on procedures, modifications and methods for input into final publication and presentations of findings at meetings.
49. Work with staff on the preparation of data and images for use in research presentations and publications.
50. Write and edit drafts for journal submission; read manuscript drafts of other laboratory members.
51. Compile, write and present scientific data in conferences; write articles.
52. Edit and write research papers and protocols.
53. Work with staff on the modification of laboratory protocols and experiments based on literature findings.
54. Search and review literature related to project; summarize and evaluate findings.
55. Participate in developing and performing experiments, organizing protocols and performing technical trouble-shooting.
56. Locate and review the literature pertinent to projects to identify the most applicable protocols and methods; perform experiments in accordance with protocols.
**REQUIREMENTS** . The contractor must have:
1. Master's degree in Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology or a related discipline; three (3) years of specialized experience plus a Bachelor's degree is equivalent to a Master's degree
2. Minimum of 8-10 years of biology or related experience.
3. Expertise in molecular biology techniques
4. Knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
5. Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures
6. Strong expertise in PCR, cloning, production of recombinant proteins, protein detection methods, cell culture techniques, mouse breeding and genotyping
7. Strong presentation, self-motivational, communication, problem solving and organizational skills
8. Outstanding inter-personal and teamwork skills
9. Strong communications skills, both oral and written
10. Experience in Software such as: Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Outlook).
**PLEASE APPLY ONLINE**
When you apply, please know a Kelly Government Solutions Recruiter will review your resume and will contact you directly, if your skills and experience match the requirements of this position; a full job description can be made available at that time.
Due to the high volume of inquiries, we regret that we cannot accept phone calls. Even if you aren't contacted for this position, you are still part of our talent network. All Kelly recruiters have access to your profile, which expands your opportunities even further.
As a specialty talent company, Kelly is committed to doing the right thing for our talent and clients. We stand up for equity, inclusion, fair treatment, and opportunity for all as these build the foundation of our Talent Promise. With a focus on safety, value, well-being, investment, and opportunity, Kelly's Talent Promise confirms our commitment to those in search of a better way to work and live and to help discover what's next.
It is obvious things are different than they were just a few months ago. Kelly is at the forefront of ensuring the safety of our employees in this new working environment. Be well and stay strong.
**You should know:** Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A Kelly recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.
**Why Kelly** ** ** **Government Solutions?**
Looking to connect with premier government agencies or the top 25 federal government contractors? Kelly Government Solutions partners with these organizations to create expert talent solutions that solve the world's most critical challenges. We offer a variety of full-time, project (SOW), seasonal, and surge support opportunities in science, engineering, technology, professional, and administrative support roles. Our experts will connect you to the opportunity that fits your schedule and interests and handle the details of transferring and processing all levels of security clearances. It's just another way we make the job search work for you.
**About Kelly** ** **
At Kelly, we're always thinking about what's next and advising job seekers on new ways of working to reach their full potential. In fact, we're a leading advocate for temporary/nontraditional workstyles, because we believe they allow flexibility and tremendous growth opportunities that enable a better way to work and live (plus, did we mention we provide a ton of benefits ?). Connecting great people with great companies is what we do best, and our employment opportunities span a wide variety of workstyles, skill levels, and industries around the world.
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center.
Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024