OPU Technician

ABS Global, a Genus Company, has an exciting opportunity. We are looking for an Ovum Pick-Up Technician to join our Kennewick, WA Lab. The Ovum Pick-Up Technician has primary accountability for the successful assessment of oocyte donor animals, ovarian follicular structures, and the aspiration of follicles conducted during Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) processes. The successful candidate will support the achievement of current and forecasted production goals, participate in the analysis of performance results, and actively seek opportunities for further investigation and testing solutions.

• Accurately and effectively conduct all aspects of follicular aspiration of follicles including ultrasound scans of ovaries, identification and classification of follicular structures, ovarian synchronization procedures, aspiration of pregnant donors, and follicular puncture.
• Evaluate, assess and sort donor animals for follicular aspiration using both rectal or ultrasound techniques
• Assemble and maintain all OPU equipment including ultrasound, vacuum pump, and oocyte collection tubes.
• Maintain sanitation and sterilization protocol for all materials and equipment used to complete OPU procedures.
• Administer epidural anesthesia.
• Participate in the identification of production gaps and participate in the testing of recommended solutions.
• Uphold company standards for animal well-being and biosecurity.
• Successfully complete oocyte retrieval in accordance with customer needs, which, at times, may be as many as 35 to 40 donors in a single day.
• Collaborate with customers’ workforce, OPU team, Embryo Transfer team and Laboratory team to evaluate donor herd availability, quantity of oocytes to be collected each day, and other production and laboratory demands.
• Participate in the evaluation of key performance indicators, actively seek opportunities for improvement and contribute ideas for further investigation within OPU processes.
• Assist with the training of new employees to ensure thorough understanding of OPU standard operating procedures and performance expectations.

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in animal science, Dairy Science or related field. (Exceptional experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirement).
• Bovine reproductive experience (artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, etc.) preferred.
• Experience applying knowledge of anatomy and physiology within bovine reproduction context preferred, but not required
• Ability to operate and read ultrasound imaging.
• Team-centric with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed safety protocols as required during daily exposure to needles or other sharp objects, as well as bodily fluids of beef and dairy cattle.
• Visual ability to correctly identify and distinguish objects of various size, color and depth perception near and far away.
• Customer-centric approach to daily work and understanding of variability to daily schedules.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time, with several overnight trips per month.

Genus is an agricultural biotechnology pioneer. We are a global FTSE 250 company, headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange.  Genus PLC has a presence in over 70 countries and a global workforce of over 3,000 employees and growing.  We are a worldwide leader in porcine and bovine animal genetics, partnering with farmers to transform how we nourish the world – a mission that is important to a sustainable future. 

ABS Global is a Genus company and is the world-leading provider of bovine genetics, reproductive services, technologies and udder care products.  Marketing in more than 70 countries around the globe, ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941.  We are uniquely positioned as a global player with a dedicated research and development function and an international distribution network.  We breed and distribute the genes of the world’s best bulls, scientifically selecting livestock whose offspring is designed to increase the profitability of our customers who are some of the world’s biggest farmers and food producers. IntelliGen Technologies is the technology within ABS that develops sexed bovine genetics that helps customers maximize their profitability and reach their end goals in a fast and efficient manner.

Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to help sustainably nourish the world.

At Genus we offer a competitive salary. Benefits include health, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, long and short-term disability, 401K, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays and ETO (employee time off). This position will have opportunity for growth.  

Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Genus plc will never ask you to provide fees or payment for computer, software, or other equipment or supplies during the recruitment and/or onboarding process. If you have any questions about your individual application, please contact the Genus Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@genusplc.com.