Animal Research Technician

Boehringer Ingelheim•Colbert, GA

About The Position

Performs animal husbandry and health care in accordance with experimental protocols and applicable animal welfare regulations, guides, company policies, veterinary procedures, and AAALAC accreditation requirements. Assists with scientific procedures, maintains documentation, sanitizes equipment, and supports facility maintenance. The role is based in an animal research laboratory operating under Biosafety Level 1 and 2 conditions. The technician may guide junior team members when delegated by the Site Veterinarian or Group/Team Leader and may represent the site on committees and workgroups. The position supports clinical research and development through animal care, clinical observations, treatment administration, sample collection, and assistance with necropsies. Work includes ante-mortem and post-mortem procedures and may involve livestock. The technician is expected to comply with regulations and policies governing animal welfare, scientific procedures, hazardous materials, and biological agent containment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least two years of experience in a related field, such as livestock handling, husbandry and healthcare, veterinary clinical assistance, or scientific animal research; this experience may be obtained concurrently with the diploma or degree.
Possess or be willing to obtain Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification, preferably within 12 months of employment; certification timelines depend on prior education and experience.
Ability to work in extreme environments, including hot, cold, noisy, or humid conditions, while maintaining attention to biosecurity, detail, and timeliness.
Ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently.
Willingness to work directly with animals during ante-mortem and post-mortem procedures.
Must not have allergies to animals or livestock/feed dust.
Ability to read and see clearly; prescription eyewear is allowed.
Ability to maintain an even temperament when working with livestock and willingness to learn rapidly.
Results-oriented, cooperative, systematic, and able to exercise sound judgment and analytical thinking.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary matrix environment and function well as part of a team or committee.
Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
Ability to build working relationships with team members at all organizational levels.
Proficiency in basic computing, including email and word processing.
Ability to work weekends.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
Willingness to take a drug test and post-offer physical if required.
Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

Comply with applicable regulations and company policies and maintain records of animal care, preventive medicine, USDA requirements, and study protocols.
Provide animal husbandry and care, including feed, water, and enrichment materials.
Maintain, adjust, and repair animal pens, feeders, drinking systems, and livestock handling equipment.
Clean and sanitize animal rooms and equipment.
Restrain and manipulate animals for routine and emergency procedures.
Conduct daily animal health and welfare assessments, recognize signs of illness, distress, or abnormality, and communicate observations to the Site Veterinarian or Group/Team Leader.
Administer treatment to animals as directed by the Site Veterinarian or delegate.
Conduct scientific clinical observations and disease outcome assessments, such as assessing lameness, behavior, respiration, fecal consistency, and central nervous system effects.
Administer experimental treatment articles in accordance with study protocols when required.
Record scientific information using study protocol documents or standard department forms.
Under supervision, administer and monitor sedation and conduct euthanasia in accordance with study protocols and direction from the Site Veterinarian or delegate.
Perform site biosecurity functions, which may include water system sanitation, feed and fomite decontamination, and environmental audit sample collection.
Assist with pre- and post-mortem clinical R&D sample collection in accordance with study protocols and direction from the Investigator or delegate.
Assist with necropsies at the direction of the Site Veterinarian or delegate.
Provide guidance or supervision to junior team members when delegated by the Group/Team Leader or site management.
Represent the site on site-specific committees and workgroups when required.