Animal Care Technician CMU

Children's National Hospital

4d • $18 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Technician in the Children's National Research Institute Comparative Medicine Unit (CMU) provides husbandry and sanitation for rodent species in accordance with standard operating procedures. The role maintains clean animal holding and ancillary rooms, observes animals and room conditions, receives incoming shipments, maintains per diem inventory, assists with prescribed health treatments, and monitors supplies, cages, cage equipment, and cleaning supplies. The technician may also perform all duties of a CMU Technician as needed.

This position is based in a research facility and involves potential exposure to sanitation chemicals, zoonotic diseases, animal bites, scratches, kicks, and animal dander that may cause allergic responses. Physical demands include manual dexterity for handling animals, standing for up to six hours or most of the shift, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The role is designated essential, and work may be required during campus closures or emergencies. Staff may also work outside their regular schedules during peak activity periods, including overtime and weekends; managers will provide notice of schedule changes when possible.

The position offers an opportunity to learn specialized laboratory animal research skills and develop professionally within the field and department.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Documented specialized experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the position's duties; this experience must be supported by a detailed description on the resume.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with web-based applications.
• Knowledge of the biology and physical characteristics of animals used in research, including the ability to recognize illness and abnormalities.
• Knowledge of methods and materials used in laboratory work.
• Ability to work and communicate professionally with investigators, supervisors, and caretakers.
• Ability to make accurate observations and maintain current, accurate, and complete records.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret written and oral instructions and perform math calculations in experimental procedures.
• Ability to recognize common signs of illness, changes in eating habits, abnormal stool or urine deposits, and unusual behavior.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting the use of animals in biomedical research.
• Knowledge of sanitation, sterilization, and biohazard control techniques.
• Manual dexterity for handling animals.
• Ability to stand for long periods, up to six hours, and lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to communicate clearly by email, phone, and text message.
• Ability to work when normal campus operations are suspended or during emergencies, and to work outside the regular schedule during peak activity periods, including overtime and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in laboratory animal care.
• Eligibility for ALAT certification.

Responsibilities

• Observe animals daily for signs of health, illness, abnormal behavior, and changes in dietary habits.
• Receive, examine, transfer, and house incoming animal shipments according to standard operating procedures.
• Administer medication and treatment as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Provide adequate food and water for assigned animal cages.
• Maintain daily and weekly sanitation of cages, assigned rooms, and common areas.
• Observe room conditions and promptly notify management of temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• Accurately document room sheets, common-area sanitation logs, inventory, and health reports.
• Collect diagnostic specimens according to standard operating procedures.
• Participate in handling and manipulation training when offered.
• Perform procedures as requested.
• Monitor supplies, cages, cage equipment, and cleaning supplies, and maintain per diem inventory.
• Follow responsible conduct of research standards, use research resources appropriately, maintain required data confidentiality, and complete annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• 401(k) plan.
• Healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Tuition assistance.
• Fitness resources.
• Employee assistance.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED