Laboratory Animal Technician - College of Engineering - Biomedical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here! The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department at Carnegie Mellon University is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to solving complex healthcare challenges. Located within CMU's College of Engineering, the department emphasizes the integration of engineering principles with biomedical sciences to address pressing medical and biological issues. The department is characterized by its focus on creating impactful technologies and therapies that improve patient care and advance biomedical innovation globally. The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department at Carnegie Mellon University is looking for a laboratory animal technician that will support multiple laboratory animal studies involving mice, rats, rabbits, pigs, and sheep. This role is responsible for providing high-quality animal care, assisting with research procedures, and ensuring compliance with institutional, federal, and regulatory standards. The technician will work closely with Dr. Keith Cook’s surgical research manager and research staff to promote animal welfare and support successful study outcomes. Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree Veterinary Technician degree/certificate or equivalent training.
• 1-3 years’ Experience Hands-on animal care, handling and restraint across multiple species
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• Successful background check
• Ability to handle and restrain animals of varying sizes, including large animals (pigs, sheep).
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and pull/push equipment as required.
• Visual acuity for detailed observations and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and respond to emergencies
• Required to stand and/or walk for extended periods and function in constricted spaces when needed.
• May be required to work irregular or extended hours, including nights, weekends, and emergency calls depending on study needs.
• Routine exposure to biological materials, anesthetic agents, and cleaning/disinfecting chemicals.
• May be required to travel to off‑campus or remote study locations.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree
• AALAS certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG); additional training in anesthesia monitoring or surgical assistance.
• Experience working with animals in a research or laboratory setting, assisting with anesthesia and surgical procedures, sample collection, and study documentation.
• Rodent and/or large animal experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all animal-related activities are conducted in compliance with IACUC-approved protocols, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory standards (e.g., USDA, AAALAC, NIH).
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of animal care, health observations, procedures, and study activities.
• Assist with treatment administration, post-procedural monitoring, and recovery care as directed.
• Support research procedures including animal handling and restraint, dosing, sample collection (e.g., blood and tissue), and data recording.
• Provide assistance with both surgical and non-surgical procedures under the supervision of the surgical manager, including anesthesia monitoring and perioperative care.
• Participate in behavioral training, acclimation protocols, and other study-specific procedures as required.
• Prepare, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment, supplies, and procedure areas to ensure safe and efficient study execution.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, and acclimating research participants (staff/students) to the lab.
• Adhere strictly to biosafety, PPE, and sanitation practices.
• Collaborate effectively with veterinarians, researchers, and animal care staff across multiple studies, and assist in training new staff and students in proper animal handling and basic research procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support study needs and animal welfare

Benefits

• Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
• Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!
• For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree