Laboratory Animal Technician

Utah State University•Logan, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbents in the Lab Animal Technician series are responsible for the care and welfare of laboratory animals used in scientific research. Incumbents provide care for laboratory animals and their environment through animal husbandry and keep records according to State, Federal, and University regulations.

Requirements

Two years of experience working with animals in a veterinary facility, research clinic or equivalent OR an Associate’s degree in a Life Sciences or related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Skilled in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.
Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty.
Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment.
Knowledge of the cleaning specifications of various laboratory and/or medical equipment, fixtures, utensils, and related materials.
Computer skills including, spreadsheet and word-processing programs

Nice To Haves

ALAT certification through AALAS

Responsibilities

Provides daily care for laboratory research animals, including feeding, watering, and cleaning animal areas.
Provides enrichment devices to animals as indicated.
Monitors animal health and behavior.
Physically handles, restrains, and moves animals without injuring the animals or endangering self.
Observes, records, and reports common signs of clinical illness and/or irregularities in animals to attending veterinarian.
Checks and records animal room environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, room air pressure, and light cycles; informs supervisor of changes which are out of normal ranges.
Verifies and replenishes room supplies for animals.
Transports animals and equipment as needed within the facility.
Performs facility sanitation procedures.
May work with hazardous agents, including chemical, radiological, and BSL-2-3 bio hazards.
May train and/or guide other employees and monitors personnel entering/exiting building.
Assists in maintaining accreditation standards.
Assists research technicians in resolving problems and provides research support.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned.
Willing to learn principles and practices of animal research, able and willing to learn and follow all federal regulations pertaining to laboratory animals, learn the principles and practices of laboratory animal science, attend personal hygiene and personal safety training annually, willing to work with biological hazards (BSL 2 and 3), and be willing to operate washing and sterilizing equipment.