Animal Technician I

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

6h • Onsite

About The Position

Explore an Animal Care Career at Harvard University Cambridge where our animal care programs commitment to excellence in research is unparalleled. You would be working in a state-of-the-art award-winning rodent animal facility. The benefit package at Harvard is exceptional including degree through the extension school.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Clear understanding and knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in animal care activities;
• Knowledge of animal research and breeding procedures and practices;
• Knowledge of rodent quarantine, health monitoring programs, and other related procedures;
• Ability to follow departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a reliable and safe manner;
• Basic proficiency with digital technology, including Microsoft Office and iPhones or their equivalents;
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English;
• Enthusiasm for working in a team-based culture;
• Respect for others and compassion for animals.
• Obtaining American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification required within 18 months of start date.
• Occupational health screening and clearance to work with animals will be required

Responsibilities

• Perform animal husbandry duties in a complex research environment.
• Responsible for daily care of various species of laboratory animals including feeding, watering, health observations, and changing and washing cages as assigned.
• Feed, water, and care for animals categorized as Biosafety Level 1 or 2 and/or have been administered hazardous chemicals
• Maintain animal rooms and facility in a clean and organized manner
• Administer special diets and water for research or veterinary purposes
• Perform treatments and assist research and veterinary staff as instructed
• Maintain accurate and legible documentation and records as needed
• Identify and report signs of animal illness, injury, and other abnormalities to appropriate personnel
• Prepare appropriate chemicals to sanitize and disinfect animal rooms, equipment, shipping containers, etc.
• Assist in animal quarantine and health monitoring programs
• Receive and house new animals while maintaining necessary paperwork and documentation
• Conduct animal census as needed
• Euthanize animals as directed
• Monitor and ensure availability of animal care supplies, food, bedding, chemical supplies, and equipment
• Assist with daily operation and coordination of cage wash as needed
• Rotate with co-workers to coordinate routine team tasks
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations, institutional policies and accreditation standards for the humane care and use of laboratory animals
• Other projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Degree through the extension school
• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

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