Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

Perform a variety of specialized services for animals and animal colonies, including observing and evaluating animals, administering specialized drugs, collecting samples, and providing pre- and post-procedural care under veterinary oversight. Maintain records of treatments, provide husbandry services, and ensure proper sanitation and decontamination of animal facilities.

Responsibilities

• Observe and evaluate animals for signs of illness, stress, and deviations in conditions.
• Perform animal care with veterinary oversight, including drug administration, sample collection, and pre- and post-procedural care.
• Maintain records of treatments.
• Provide husbandry and specialized services for animals in animal colonies.
• Maintain, sanitize, and decontaminate animal rooms and facilities within low to moderate hazardous areas (e.g., BL2).
• Maintain required records according to institutional, local, and federal regulatory standards.
• Serve as a source of information to investigators and support staff on animal handling, restraint, and care techniques.
• Train and/or instruct staff on sanitation, animal handling, restraint, and care techniques.
• Perform periodic decontamination, maintenance, and rotation of equipment in facility washing centers.
• Operate animal care processing equipment, diagnose mechanical, technical, and process problems.
• Maintain inventory of supplies.
• Act as a driver to pick up and deliver animals and materials, applying proper animal handling and care protocols.
• Perform additional related tasks as necessary.

Essential Skills

• Ability to follow Standing Operating Procedures.
• Ability to recognize signs of well-being, illness, and abnormalities.
• Ability to understand and use short notes, basic written instructions, and forms.
• Ability to understand complex and detailed protocols.
• General knowledge of computer use and ability to monitor email.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Four years of work experience with two years in a similar role, and a high school education; or two years of related work experience and an Associate’s Degree, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician certification by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (preferred).
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and good manual dexterity.

Work Environment

The position requires working during a 12-week training/probation period that coincides with a 90-day probation period. Training involves constructive communication and transparent documentation on progress. The work schedule during training is Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. After training, the schedule is Friday to Tuesday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 10% shift differential for weekends. All staff must work appointed holidays and recess days, with specific provisions for pay and floating holiday time. The role requires maintaining a good attendance record and reporting to work on time, even during inclement weather and holidays. Personal protective equipment includes gloves and gowns. Staff must pay for parking.