Lab Animal Technician Asst I

University of Rochester • Rochester, NY

2d • $18 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Animal Technician Assistant performs activities associated with providing routine husbandry services in research animal housing areas containing a variety of laboratory animal species. The individual provides general and technical support to supervisors, investigators, and veterinary staff to help ensure the humane care and well-being of research animals and compliance with regulatory and institutional standards.

Responsibilities may include animal husbandry, sanitation, stocking supplies, monitoring animal health and environmental conditions, and supporting facility operations as assigned. Some duties are technically oriented and may require physical exertion, including lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, and prolonged standing or walking.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent and less than 1 year of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

• General experience with animals in a work environment or a research environment (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Understands the critical role of the Animal Care Technician as an integral member of the research team and recognizes the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining the integrity and quality of research activities. Demonstrates an awareness of the potential impact that failure to perform assigned duties may have on animal welfare, research outcomes, and regulatory compliance.
• Applies knowledge of applicable standards, requirements, federal and state regulations, and institutional guidelines related to laboratory animal care and use. Provides all required husbandry services to variety of species of laboratory animals and ensures that standards and conditions necessary for the proper care, health, sanitation, and maintenance of assigned animals are consistently maintained.
• Utilizes knowledge of normal animal behavior and physical condition to evaluate animal well-being through daily observation for signs of illness, injury, and distress or abnormalities and promptly reports concerns to supervisory and/or veterinary staff as per established procedures.
• Applies knowledge of applicable standards, requirements, federal and state regulations, and institutional guidelines related to laboratory animal care and use. Provides all required husbandry services to variety of laboratory animal species and ensures that standards and conditions necessary for the proper care, health, sanitation, and maintenance of assigned animals are consistently maintained.
• Reads, understands, and follows posted Standard Operating Procedures and executes special instructions related to animal health, biosecurity, cage sanitation, and veterinary care. Maintains accurate records including animal inventories, supply inventories, room and cagewash logs, and special charges, and may assist with preparation of reports as requested. Understands the importance of accurate animal and project identification and applies established recordkeeping practices. Demonstrates the ability to determine the sex of common laboratory animal species (e.g. Adult, juvenile, and weanlings) and recognizes species-specific housing, biosecurity, sanitation, and sterilization requirements.
• Inspects and evaluates caging, physical plant, and other equipment for conditions affecting laboratory animal well-being and staff safety and reporting any problems. Follows through to ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Adheres to attendance requirements, maintains appropriate personal hygiene standards, and complies with institutional policies and procedures related to hazardous substances and the safe operation and use of equipment.
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

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