Lab Animal Technician

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Animal Technician provides essential daily husbandry and animal care for laboratory animals housed in the within the Vivarium Animal Lab. Working under direct supervision of the Research Animal Lab Manager, this position performs essential daily animal care tasks and supports operations to ensure that facility maintains the highest standard of excellence is provided for humane animal care. The position's performance of job duties must also maintain compliance for operations within a bio secure facility environment in accordance with institutional standard operating procedures and all applicable regulatory standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and one (1) year related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to follow protocols and ensure compliance with state, federal, and university regulations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with research staff, faculty, and other personnel.
Basic understanding of animal behavior, welfare, and handling procedures.
Ability to operate and maintain laboratory animal care equipment.
Ability to lift and move heavy equipment and animal cages.
Ability to stand for long periods, walk, bend, and kneel.
Knowledge of research animal care, including quarantine, biohazard, or barrier areas.
Experience with record-keeping and maintaining detailed logs related to animal care.
Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and independently.
Dependable, industrious and conscientious work ethic with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work independently as well as with others
Ability to complete an Occupational Health Medical history review and receive clearance to work with animals prior to commencing work.
AALAS Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification or ability to obtain certification within 18 months of hire.
Must be up-to-date and remain current on Tetanus vaccination.

Nice To Haves

Animal care work experience in a laboratory animal facility, veterinary clinic, farm setting or comparable environment.
Familiarity with IACUC regulations and The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Responsibilities

Performs basic animal care functions including daily husbandry for multiple laboratory animal species, provision of food and water, adherence to biosecurity procedure, animal handling and restraint and cage changing.
Maintain accurate husbandry and quality control records; completes required documentation in a timely and legible manner.
Conducts health observations and reports abnormal findings or animal welfare concerns to the supervisor promptly.
Monitors and reports facility environment conditions (temperature, humidity, ventilation) and alerts the supervisor to any deviations.
Adheres to all PPE requirements and safety protocols.
Cleans, sanitizes and maintains assign animal housing and support areas in accordance with departmental SOPs and biosecurity protocols.
Operates and performs basic maintenance on sanitizing and sterilizing equipment and other related facility equipment.
Coordinates and assists with supply delivery, inventory replenishment and cage preparation activities.
Carries out all duties in compliance with PHS, USDA and IACUC standards as well as institutional policies and SOPs.
Maintains professional, cooperative working relationships with research staff, facility personnel and colleagues.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.