ANIMAL TECHNICIAN III
About The Position
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute with a 100-year legacy of impactful discoveries in various fields including immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, heart disease, and cancer. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute comprises six research departments, hosts Nobel laureates, and offers a top-ranked graduate school and postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research integrates foundational biological, chemical, and computational studies with translational science to develop innovative drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. The institute aims to cultivate scientific leaders and expand knowledge to achieve global medical breakthroughs. This position offers an opportunity to join a transformative team dedicated to making a difference.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Minimum of five years of animal care experience.
- A Bachelor's degree in a life science, Associate's degree in veterinary technology, or AALAS certification with one to three years of animal care experience may substitute for the total experience requirement.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Effective interpersonal relation skills.
- Demonstrated competency in technical procedures.
- Must be able to work weekend and holiday rotations for those not assigned to a dedicated weekend schedule (Fri-Mon) or Sat/Sun only schedule.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the daily care of research animals, maintaining a clean environment, and observing overall animal health.
- Conducts daily animal health observations and completes health reports, identifying sick animals.
- Performs animal health treatments under the direction of veterinary staff.
- Transfers animals between caging, providing appropriate feed, water, and bedding, and reporting abnormal conditions.
- Cleans, sanitizes, and autoclaves caging and equipment, and refills water bottles.
- May breed rodents, identify pregnant animals, wean animals, and perform technical procedures like tailing, bleeding, and injections.
- Maintains animal records, including breeder cards, production logs, pedigree charts, inventory sheets, and treatment logs.
- Permanently identifies animals using ear tags, ear notches, or tattoos.
- Euthanizes animals according to established procedures.
- Receives and ships animals, reporting any discrepancies.
- Performs clinical and research-related techniques such as injections, bodily fluid sampling, and tissue harvesting.
- Communicates with research staff regarding animal health, breeding, or regulatory matters.
- Maintains cagewash equipment, including cleaning screens, jets, and manifolds, and performing preventative maintenance.
- Performs general housekeeping duties, including sweeping, mopping, and proper waste disposal.
- Assists with the health monitoring program, including parasite testing, physical examinations, and necropsies.
- Receives and inventories feed, bedding, and supplies, and autoclaves materials for use.
- May perform specialized tasks in hazard containment rooms or quarantine areas, adhering to biohazard regulations and maintaining traffic flow patterns.
- Adheres to departmental guidelines and standard operating procedures.
Benefits
- Employer Contributed Retirement Plan (eligibility-based, no employee contribution required)
- Option to contribute to a 403(b)
- Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (with HSA option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
- Free, on-site parking
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
