Could a "thankless job" be one of the most vital roles in saving lives? In this episode of The LASt Word, we're joined by Leander Mallard, Cage Wash Manager at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, who reveals the profound impact of his work and team, transforming what might seem like humble beginnings into a powerful force for scientific advancement. Leander shares his unique journey into laboratory animal science, the unexpected entry point that led to a 22-year tenure, and a deep understanding of the industry from the "bottom up." He discusses the evolution of the cage wash area, from equipment advancements like automation to the crucial role of mentorship in fostering career growth and retention within the field. He also offers a fresh perspective on hiring, including how focusing on production skills can lead to higher cage wash and husbandry retention rates. Tune in to discover how Leander's passion and insights redefine the perception of essential work in laboratory animal science and why every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the mission of curing catastrophic diseases!   Key Points From This Episode: Leander's unconventional entry into lab animal science via a temp agency. Insight into the lasting impact of mentorship in career development. The critical role of cage wash in animal research and developing new talent. Changing public and industry perception of the cage wash role. Overcoming the challenges of a hot, steamy, and physical work environment. The value of cage wash experience for husbandry roles. How 70% of St. Jude's management began in cage wash, demonstrating upward mobility. Benefits of automation: from eliminating injuries to boosting morale and more. Carving out career paths for those who prefer not to work directly with animals. The need for more patience with new hires who lack prior animal experience. Why St. Jude's cage wash staff boasts a remarkably low turnover rate. Prioritizing production skills over animal experience in hiring to double retention. Relationship-focused advice to boost morale, retention, and overall success.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Leander Mallard on LinkedIn St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Lean Six Sigma Institute American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS) The LASt Word: An AALAS Podcast

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