Lab Technician - Temporary/Part-time
About The Position
As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) at Brigham Young University (BYU) is seeking a Temporary/Part-Time Lab Technician to support the monitoring and maintenance of vivarium facilities. This position will focus on ensuring that the care and housing of laboratory animals meet the highest standards of welfare and comply with university, federal, and ethical guidelines. The Lab Technician will work under the direction of the LARC Manager and Assistant Manager to provide essential assistance in animal care, research facilitation, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in animal care and research and will play a key role in ensuring that faculty and students can carry out research effectively in a regulated, compliant environment.
Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Knowledge of federal animal welfare regulations and ethical guidelines (e.g., USDA Animal Welfare Act, NIH Guidelines).
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to perform physical tasks associated with animal care, including lifting and moving animal cages, cleaning vivarium facilities, and handling animals.
Nice To Haves
- A background in biology, animal science, or related fields is preferred.
- Experience working with laboratory animals or in a research environment is a plus.
- Familiarity with animal breeding techniques and vivarium management is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the daily care and housing of laboratory animals, including feeding, cleaning, health observations, and monitoring quarantine periods.
- Maintain a working knowledge of federal and university animal care regulations, including the Animal Welfare Act, NIH Guidelines, and AVMA Euthanasia Guidelines. Assist in ensuring adherence to IACUC-approved protocols and report any non-compliance.
- Assist in updating and reviewing SOPs related to animal care and vivarium operations. Help in maintaining the standards required by the Vivarium Advisory Board.
- Assist in monitoring and training staff, students, and faculty on animal breeding schemes, including timed breeding, fostering, and harem breeding techniques. Ensure adherence to IACUC-approved breeding protocols.
- Forecast, order, and manage inventory of animal care supplies, including feed, bedding, and equipment. Work with the LARC Manager and Assistant Manager to ensure cost-effective purchasing and accurate record-keeping.
- Assist in receiving new animals, ensuring proper placement and care according to active protocols, and maintaining accurate records of all animal purchases in electronic systems.
- Train and oversee staff, students, and animal care workers in the proper handling and care of animals, including cleaning, maintenance, and animal health interventions. Fill in as needed to ensure continuity of care during absences, including weekends and holidays.
- Monitor animal health and assist in interventions such as parasite screenings, medication administration, and surgical procedures. Escalate health concerns to the veterinarian as necessary.
- Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of vivarium facilities to meet government and IACUC inspection requirements. Assist with identifying equipment needs and facilitate necessary repairs and upgrades.
- Work closely with Principal Investigators and other stakeholders to ensure that research and animal care needs are met in accordance with federal and university standards. Help maintain positive relationships while ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Collaborate with the LARC Manager and Assistant Manager to evaluate and improve animal care programs, ensuring compliance with guidelines and improving research support.
- Assist in the development and management of vivarium-specific training courses via BYU’s Training.byu.edu platform.
Benefits
- Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
- Access to the library
- Free on-campus parking
- Free UTA pass
- Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
